The Queen of Cannes has arrived, and it's everything we expected from her. On May 21, 2025, Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made a grand return to the 78th Cannes Film Festival, exuding timeless elegance in an ivory Banarasi saree. But while her ensemble made waves on the red carpet, it was the breathtaking, ruby-laden neckpiece that truly had everyone talking.
Take a look:
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's headline-making Cannes jewellery
Designed by Manish Malhotra, Aishwarya's jewellery for Cannes 2025 was nothing short of a royal heirloom moment. Yes, she adorned a jaw-dropping necklace of over 500 carats of Mozambique rubies and uncut diamonds, all set in 18-carat gold.
The elaborate layering featured a ruby choker with a single standout diamond pendant, followed by a second diamond necklace and a third tier of multiple ruby strands that flowed like a river of rubies. Completing the set were bold ruby-and-diamond earrings and statement rings that graced both hands.
According to the designer, the jewellery draws from heritage craftsmanship and was designed to complement the intricacy of Aishwarya's couture saree.
Sindoor look in ivory Banarasi saree
For her outfit, the former Miss World chose to drape herself in a handwoven Banarasi saree by the same designer. Crafted in ivory, rose gold, and silver tones, the saree highlighted the Kadwa brocade technique, an intricate Varanasi loom tradition where each motif is individually woven using multiple shuttles and threads. It was further elevated with real silver (chaandi) zari embroidery that glimmered under the Cannes lights.
Layered with a sheer tissue dupatta bordered in gold and silver zardozi work, Aishwarya’s ensemble came alive as she draped it with a dramatic flair, letting the pallu cascade into a sweeping train worthy of the global stage.
Her makeup was bold yet balanced with a winged liner, radiant blush, and rich red lips. With her hair styled in a sleek middle part, the beauty icon added a touch of cultural pride with a hint of sindoor.
