Aishwarya Rai Bachchan walks the Red Carpet as she attends the premiere of “Youth” at the 68th Annual Cannes Film Festival, May 21. (Press Trust of India)
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan walks the Red Carpet as she attends the premiere of “Youth” at the 68th Annual Cannes Film Festival, May 21. (Press Trust of India)

Bollywood diva Aishwarya Rai Bachchan joined the United Nations Women’s panel on gender equality in the film industry during her this year’s first appearance at the ongoing Cannes International Film Festival, May 17. Veteran actress Shabana Azmi has expressed her disapproval over the Cannes Film Festival’s practice of only allowing women in heels at the gala. Bollywood fashionista Sonam Kapoor’s lime green Elie Saab gown at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival has invited Twitter jokes and memes because of her “over-feathery” pattern. A PTI report.


Aishwarya Attends Gender Equality Session at Cannes

Bollywood diva Aishwarya Rai Bachchan joined the United Nations Women’s panel on gender equality in the film industry during her this year’s first appearance at the ongoing Cannes International Film Festival, May 17.

The panel included Under Secretary-General UN Women Elizabeth Nyamayaro, Hollywood actresses Salma Hayek and Parker Posey, producers Elizabeth Karlsen and Christine Vachon.

The former Miss World bonded with Hayek while discussing the gender equality in the film industry.

Keeping with the tone of the event, the 41-year-old “Guzaarish” star was dressed in a sober floral Sabyasachi gown. She accessorized it with a clutch.

Aishwarya, who is attending the festival for the 14th time in a row, walked the red carpet as L’Oréal Paris brand ambassador later in the day and also on May 20.

She attended the amfAR charity Gala on May 21 with her husband and actor Abhishek Bachchan.

Sonam Kapoor with Indian Ambassdor to France Mohan Kumar and Head of Global Marketing, Mastercard  Rajamannar  at the launch of the book "UTSAV" at Cannes Film Festival, May 17. (Press Trust of India)
Sonam Kapoor with Indian Ambassdor to France Mohan Kumar and Head of Global Marketing, Mastercard Rajamannar at the launch of the book “UTSAV” at Cannes Film Festival, May 17. (Press Trust of India)

Shabana Azmi Criticizes Cannes over High Heels Rule for Women

Veteran actress Shabana Azmi has expressed her disapproval over the Cannes Film Festival’s practice of only allowing women in heels at the gala.

The 64-year-old actress, who has attended the festival in the past and also served as a jury member, said she was shocked to read reports that women in flats were denied entry at the festival.

“Shocking report that Cannes bans flats on red carpet! Director of ‘Amy’, Asif Kapadia says his wife was given rough time too. Unacceptable surely,” Azmi posted on Twitter.

Earlier Hollywood actress Emily Blunt had also criticized the Festival’s reported practice though festival director Thierry Frémaux had denied that there was any such rule.

Bollywood actress Nandita Das stands next to a poster of Ingrid Bergman at Cannes Film Festival, May 13. The poster was chosen this year to pay tribute to Bergman for her contribution to film. (Press Trust of India)
Bollywood actress Nandita Das stands next to a poster of Ingrid Bergman at Cannes Film Festival, May 13. The poster was chosen this year to pay tribute to Bergman for her contribution to film. (Press Trust of India)

Fans Find Sonam Kapoor’s Feathery Gown Humorous

29-year-old actress Sonam Kapoor, known for her bold choices at the red carpet outings, was at the receiving end of Twitterati for her her latest look where she teamed up the couture gown with a neat bun, pink lips and teardrop earrings.

“Sonam Kapoor’s Elie Saab at Cannes is what you’d get if Rihanna’s omelet dress broke into scrambled eggs,” a user tweeted, while referring to Rihanna’s massive MET gala dress.

Comparing it with “cornflakes,” a user wrote, “Sonam Kapoor’s golden gown looks like she’s covered in cornflakes/bread crumbs.”

“Sonam Kapoor’s dress at Cannes is reminding me of a stack of hay!,” another tweet read.

Some users even compared the furry gown to the pictures of furry dogs.

“Erm… @sonamakapoor. Sorry to say her latest dress looks a lot like a children’s character I remember (Big Bird).

#SesameStreet #justsaying #Cannes,” an user wrote.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore looks on as actress Nandita Das speaks at the inaugural ceremony of India Pavilion at Cannes Film Festival, 2015 on May 14. (Press Trust of India)
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore looks on as actress Nandita Das speaks at the inaugural ceremony of India Pavilion at Cannes Film Festival, 2015 on May 14. (Press Trust of India)

“Sonam Kapoor has nothing much to do at Cannes, she should at least knit some sweaters from her dress.”

The actress, who is in the festival as the face of a cosmetic brand for the fifth time, has generally earned praise for her outfits that included nude pink dress, structured cobalt blue gown, nude cocktail saree and black ornate dress.