The Cannes Film Festival 2026 is poised to showcase a robust Indian presence, with prominent figures such as Alia Bhatt and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan expected to grace the event in France. Alia was spotted at Mumbai airport in the early hours of Monday, departing for the festival. She is attending as the face of an international beauty brand and kept her travel look chic in a black coat layered over a white tank top, paired with denims and boots.
Alia Bhatt Embarks for Cannes
Excitement is building as videos circulating online show massive banners featuring Alia being mounted on buildings in Cannes ahead of the festival. The actress will reportedly join an international lineup of celebrities, including Eva Longoria, Jane Fonda, and Viola Davis, among other stars.
Speaking about her return to Cannes, Alia described the experience as "incredibly special." In a statement, she said, "Last year was such an unforgettable experience, and I am truly excited to be back for what feels like an even bigger celebration this year. There is a beautiful energy here, one of sisterhood and the celebration of female voices, and it is a privilege to be part of this journey with a brand that so strongly champions women's worth and empowerment."
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Other Indian Stars
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will once again attend the festival as a global ambassador for the beauty brand, continuing her long-standing association with Cannes. The festival, scheduled from May 12 to May 23 in France, is expected to feature diverse representation from India across cinema industries and creative sectors.
Filmmaker Karan Johar and actors Tara Sutaria, Mouni Roy, and Pooja Batra are also expected to be part of the event. Punjabi cinema will mark its presence with Ammy Virk attending Cannes for the first time. Meanwhile, acclaimed filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker will represent India as part of the country's official delegation in his capacity as director of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
Regional Cinema at Cannes
Regional cinema from across the country is also expected to make its presence felt at Cannes this year. Marathi cinema will be represented by veteran actors Ashok Saraf and Nivedita Saraf, along with actress Prajakta Mali and producer Kedar Joshi. Gujarati cinema will have representation through actor-producer Mansi Parekh and singer-producer Parthiv Gohil.
