Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, one of Bollywood’s most enduring icons, has once again captivated global attention at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. Dressed in an ensemble that evoked the timeless elegance of Paro from Devdas, the actress made headlines and dominated social media under the viral tag: ‘Bade Ghar Ki Thakurayin’.
This year’s Cannes appearance marks yet another chapter in Rai’s long-standing history with the prestigious festival, and if the internet’s reaction is any indication, it may be one of her most iconic yet. Social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, erupted with praise, memes, and cultural callbacks as fans and fashion critics dissected every detail of her demure, regal look.
A Nod to Cinematic Heritage
Aishwarya’s outfit—a heavily embroidered red and gold lehenga with a sheer dupatta draped gracefully over her head—was designed by Indian couture house Falguni Shane Peacock. Inspired by the 2002 Bollywood epic Devdas, the look was a subtle homage to her character Paro, who symbolized grace, inner strength, and traditional Indian femininity.
Fashion critics lauded the ensemble for fusing nostalgic Indian cinema with contemporary haute couture. The intricacy of the hand-embroidered zardozi work, paired with antique gold jewelry and bold kohl-rimmed eyes, offered a visual feast that transcended both geography and time.
Internet Reactions: From Fans to Memes
Within hours of her red carpet appearance, hashtags such as #AishwaryaRaiCannes2025, #ParoReturns, and #BadeGharKiThakurayin were trending worldwide. Users flooded the internet with side-by-side comparisons of her 2002 Devdas scenes and her 2025 Cannes look.
“She’s not walking the red carpet, she’s owning it like it’s her haveli,” wrote one user. Another commented, “Only Aishwarya Rai can look like royalty without uttering a word. Paro is eternal.”
Some social media users humorously dubbed her look as “Paro in Paris,” while others praised her for staying true to her roots in an increasingly globalized fashion arena.
Industry Response and Cultural Impact
Beyond the internet fanfare, the film and fashion industries have also taken note. International outlets such as Vogue, Elle, and Variety highlighted her look as a masterclass in cultural diplomacy through fashion. Designers across the world praised her for bringing traditional Indian aesthetics to a Western-dominated event without compromising authenticity.
Her appearance has sparked renewed interest in Indian textile art and period films, with some predicting a possible revival of vintage Bollywood-inspired designs on global runways.
Conclusion
Aishwarya Rai’s Cannes 2025 appearance wasn’t just another red carpet moment—it was a cultural statement. With her Paro-inspired look, Rai seamlessly blended cinema, tradition, and international fashion, once again proving why she remains a global style icon even decades into her career.
As fans continue to celebrate her regal return to Cannes, one thing is clear: Bade ghar ki thakurayin never goes out of style.
