The 79th edition of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2026 witnessed a vibrant celebration of regional Indian cinema, with several Marathi artistes adding a rich Maharashtrian cultural touch to the global stage.
Ashok Saraf and Nivedita Saraf Grace the Red Carpet
Veteran Marathi actors Ashok Saraf and Nivedita Saraf were among the prominent personalities from the Marathi film industry to walk the red carpet. Joining them were 'Konkan hearted girl' Ankita Walawalkar and Prajakta Mali, who turned heads with their traditional Maharashtrian looks at the international film festival.
Traditional Nath Steals the Show
The actresses proudly showcased Maharashtrian culture on foreign soil by adorning the traditional ‘Nath’, which quickly became one of the highlights of the evening. Their elegant ethnic appearances received appreciation from fans and attendees alike. Marathi actor Pushkar Jog was also among the artistes who walked the red carpet over the weekend.
Global Launch of OTT Platform Abhijat Marathi
The stars attended Cannes for the global launch of OTT platform Abhijat Marathi, marking a significant moment for Marathi entertainment on the international stage.
Bollywood and Marathi Cinema Unite
While Bollywood celebrities including Alia Bhatt, Aditi Rao Hydari, Diana Penty, and Huma Qureshi dazzled in glamorous avatars at Cannes this year, it was the strong presence of Marathi cinema personalities that added a unique cultural flavour to the prestigious film festival.
