The Cannes Film Festival is not only a premier celebration of global cinema but also a major stage for show-stopping fashion. This year was no different, with the red carpet transforming into a runway for actors and influencers to debut their boldest looks. On Tuesday, emerging actor and model Ruchi Gujjar made her Cannes debut in a striking ensemble.
But what truly grabbed attention was her choice of jewellery: pendants featuring the face of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which she wore to the Chopard Caroline Universe Dinner.
Gujjar paired the pendants with a dramatic gold lehenga that showcased Indian craftsmanship. “The necklace is more than just jewellery, it’s a symbol of strength, vision, and India’s rise on the world stage. By wearing it at Cannes, I wanted to honour our Prime Minister, whose leadership has taken India to new heights,” she said, as reported by The Financial Express.
Her lehenga, designed by Roopa Sharmaa, featured a deep gold palette and was lavishly adorned with gota patti embroidery, mirror work, and intricate hand embroidery. Hailing from Rajasthan, Ruchi paid homage to her roots through the ensemble that exuded royal elegance. She completed the look with a handcrafted Bandhani dupatta from the atelier of Zaribari, created by designer Ram and enhanced with delicate Zardozi detailing. “Wearing this dupatta felt like I was draping the soul of Rajasthan,” she said.
Who is Ruchi Gujjar?
While her appearance at Cannes put her in the global spotlight, Gujjar’s journey to stardom began in 2023. A graduate of Maharani College in Jaipur, she relocated to Mumbai to pursue her dream of working in the film industry. The former Miss Haryana 2023 has since made a name for herself in the world of music videos, with popular tracks like Jab Tu Meri Na Rahi and Heli Mein Chor.
Coming from a traditional Gujjar family in Rajasthan, Ruchi had to challenge long-standing societal norms to carve a path in the entertainment industry. “Since I belong to a Gujjar family, there, women are not allowed to work as I am working,” she said in an interview with BollywoodMDB. “It was difficult to change how people think about women working in Bollywood. I want to be an inspiration in our community, who fought against the will of people’s thoughts. And I am the only one from my community who has come so far in the Bollywood industry,” she said.
Her journey was made possible in part by the support of her family, especially her father. “My mother was very scared when I said I wanted to go to Mumbai to work in Bollywood; however, she’s quite proud of me that I’ve come so far. My father has always been very supportive since day one, now my entire family is supporting me,” she said.
With her stardom rising and a handful of successful projects under her kitty, Gujjar has her sights set on bigger dreams. “I would love to work in South (Indian) movies since audiences love them,” she said.
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