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Bollywood's most glam star at Cannes? VOTE!

Last updated on: May 07, 2015 19:06 IST

These desi hotties could stop traffic!

The year's most giddily glamorous event is upon us.

When the biggest, brightest and boldest talents across the globe congregate at the French Riviera to highlight the best in film and fashion.

Indeed it's time for the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, which enters its 68th edition.

Most films that bag a screening here, in or out of competition, are talked about for months to come.

Some turn instant Oscar bait while others are just glad to carry the Cannes imprint for the rest of their lives.    

But it's the grand display of sartorial style and showbiz splendour on the red carpet that gives Cannes an edge above the rest.

Over the years, we've witnessed quite an exciting Indian presence at the festival's red carpet.  

We picked 10 super stylish memories for you; vote for the MOST sophisticated representation by Bollywood in Cannes.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (2014)


Image: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Photograph: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

Showcasing Devdas, turning jury member and working up the photo ops as L'Oreal's returning brand ambassador, the Cannes veteran has done it all and for over a decade too.

It was from a cakewalk.

During the first few stints, the 41-year-old was ruthlessly criticised for her drab wardrobe but has upped her game dramatically since.

This va-va-voom appearance in a golden Roberto Cavalli is case in point.

Truth be told, part of the Cannes charm back home is purely based on what this stunner will wear on the red carpet. 

Well, we won't have to wait for too long. Buzz is her comeback vehicle Jazbaa, directed by Sanjay Gupta, will unveil its first look at the festival this May.

Sonam Kapoor (2011)


Image: Sonam Kapoor. Photograph: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Looking at the Dolly Ki Doli star's confident poise in this delicate monochrome Jean Paul Gaultier, who'd say Sonam Kapoor is a first-timer at Cannes? 

And true to her fashionista reputation, the Cannes regular keeps things exotic (nose ring) and adventurous (orange lips).

Deepika Padukone (2010)


Images: Deepika Padukone. Photograph: Yves Herman/Reuters

Still few releases shy of becoming THE Deepika Padukone, the leggy star did her bit at the Cannes razzle-dazzle sashaying in a cream 'n' gold Rohit Bal sari for the red carpet.

Needless to say, the media darling was an instant hit with the French as well as back home.

Vidya Balan (2013)


Image: Vidya Balan. Photograph: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

Talented leading lady Vidya Balan hung out with the likes of Steven Spielberg and Ang Lee while on the jury for Cannes.

Yet it's her clothes that got most attention back home.

Balan too played the desi card to the hilt with her Sabyasachi creations ranging from flamboyant to classy accessorised with pearls, polki, nose rings and dupatta draped in a ghoongat.

Some of it worked like a charm, other not so much.

Freida Pinto (2014)


Image: Freida Pinto. Photograph: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

The Slumdog Millionaire actress landed international celebritydom and a lucrative contract with L'Oreal following Danny Boyle's Oscar-winning drama.

Then again, who cares about her overrated fame, when the 30-year-old Mumbai-born looks this consistently elegant on the red carpet?

What's not to love about her old Hollywood glam vibe in a side bun and metallic Sanchita gown?

Kalki Koechlin (2012)


Image: Anurag Kashyap and Kalki Koechlin. Photograph: Loic Venance/Getty Images

While most fair-complexioned women would appear washed-out in that shade of peach, Kalki Koechlin does exceedingly well in her Dior creation.

Impeccably styled and accessorised, the actress was there to support ex-husband Anurag Kashyap, at the premiere of his film, Gangs of Wasseypur.  

Nandita Das (2005)


Image: Nandita Das. Photograph: Getty Images

Even in her comfort zone, Nandita Das is a picture of grace and beauty.

During her jury role at Cannes 2005, the actress/filmmaker stuck to a lovely attire of woven Anuradha Vakil saris and churidar, which made a statement without being too obvious.

On her website, Das writes how she was teased to be the 'lightest juror' because unlike other girls and fellow jurors she hadn't packed a luggage full of designer dresses and diamonds.

Arjun Rampal  (2012)


Image: Arjun Rampal Meher Jessia. Photograph: Meher Jessia/ Twitter

Although he was there only to promote Chivas as its brand ambassador, Arjun Rampal made quite an impression in Rohit Bal-designed Jodhpur pants and bandhgala while better half Mehr Jessia stuck to her favourite Tarun Tahiliani.

The Roy hero tweeted about getting Twilight stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart to sign autographs for his daughters.

Minissha Lamba (2011)


Image: Minissha Lamba. Photograph: Francois Durand/Getty Images

We've seen her on big screen. We've watched her on Bigg Boss. And we've admired her on the red carpet at Cannes.

Minissha Lamba cuts quite an elegant picture in her flowy Gauri & Nainika number.

Considering how even the best of them bungle up under pressure, this is quite a self-assured debut.

Preity Zinta (2008)


Image: Preity Zinta. Photograph: Getty Images

One sees the bubbly star of super-hits like Kal Ho Naa Ho and Koi... Mil Gaya mostly in a Kings XI Punjab jersey these days.

No wonder people neglect to remember she's Bollywood's most effortless if underrated style divas.

Back in 2008, however, Preity Zinta, representing luxury brand Chopard dazzled the red carpet in a teal-shade Alberta Ferretti gown teamed with a giant emerald necklace.