The Cannes Film Festival 2025 was host to a very memorable moment when Janhvi Kapoor made her debut on the iconic red carpet. More than an entrance on the red carpet, Janhvi’s entrance was an emotional homage to her Mother and Bollywood legend Sridevi. In a beautiful blush-toned outfit, Janhvi displayed the elegance and royalty that Sridevi carried with her, which captured fans and fashion pundits alike.
A Cosmetic Offering With Made-To-Order
Janhvi Kapoor wore a custom Tarun Tahiliani that indeed nodded to her mother’s style. The outfit was made from Banarasi tissue, an extremely lightweight fabric made from the city of Varanasi, an ancient weavers’ town with a long tradition of its art. The fabric was transformed through a special hand-crushed technique to achieve an exquisitely textured ethereal look.
The ensemble was made up of a sculpted corset with a large pleated skirt to give a graceful yet modern silhouette. A hooded drape that was also styled like a ghoonghat, a heavily embroidered layered ritual drape worn over a woman’s head when in public, added a great cultural reference to the outfit and directly expressed Sridevi’s cultural aesthetics. It was the silhouette with the drape that many saw in Janhvi’s attire as homage to her mother’s iconic looks that she wore in the movies and public appearances.
Accessorizing with Style
To complete the royal feel of the outfit, Janhvi wore layered pearl necklaces and diamond-studded earrings from luxury brand Chopard. The pearls were a nod to purity and grace – two qualities that we often think about Sridevi. The make-up was soft, dewy, and minimal earrings let Janhvi’s natural face shine through. A sleek low bun secured the dupatta drape – which was pure sophistication!
Fashion commentators and fans quickly recognized the tribute! There was a buzz around her post on socials with comments like, “Janhvi channelling mother Sri for first Cannes red carpet Lewk” and “It’s giving Sridevi vibes!” Many fans appreciated Janhvi’s ability to acknowledge her mother’s legacy while also clearly defining herself in these early years of becoming an emerging star.
The Premiere of Homebound
Janhvi’s Cannes debut, though memorable for the fashion moment, was also the premiere of her latest movie, Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. Homebound tells the story of two childhood friends from rural North India who aspire to become police officers, confronting various trials along the way, most of which are created by the social and political challenges of their home region.
Homebound premiered as part of Cannes’ “Un Certain Regard” section, a prestigious venue for bold storytelling. Homebound’s screening at one of the most important film festivals in the world is a great achievement for Janhvi and a step forward for all of Bollywood in establishing a presence on the international film stage.
A Beautiful Show of Support
Amid all the fanfare and glitz one moment really stood out. As Janhvi worked her way through the many complexities of her voluminous gown, co-star Ishaan Khatter and director Neeraj Ghaywan were making sure it was all working smoothly along the way to ensure Janhvi could walk and pose without too many issues. This display of teamwork and support was well received by fans who recognized the wonderful spirit of the cast and crew’s team effort.
A Reflection on Sridevi’s Lasting Legacy
Decades later, Sridevi’s impact on Indian cinema and fashion is still unmatched. The embodiment of ease and ability, and an incredible performer, Sridevi left such a strong mark on Bollywood and beyond, that it was upon seeing Janhvi’s tribute to her at Cannes that offered any relevance to that legacy – a moment when personal history intersected with public spectacle.
In her debut, Janhvi managed to juxtapose reverence with youthful novelty, giving the world a peek into her own capability as an actor, and the impact of her mother’s continued presence in her life and career.
Janhvi Kapoor’s debut at Cannes in 2025 was a masterclass in emotion, culture and style. Her decision to pay tribute to Sridevi through fashion was a strong message of love and respect, and her attending such a big international event promises according to the future ahead. As Homebound is gaining traction, Janhvi’s star continues to shine — and with it, the much-loved memory of Sridevi shines brighter.
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