Cannes 2026: Maharashtra’s Culture and Cinema Shine on the Global Stage
NewsBharati 19-May-2026 17:22:04 PM
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On Monday, 18th May, Marathi cinema and culture made a strong impression at Cannes 2026, as several Maharashtrian artists proudly represented regional talent on the global red carpet.
Veteran actor Ashok Saraf attended the event alongside actress Nivedita Saraf, drawing attention with their elegant and timeless Indian attire. They were joined by actress Prajakta Mali, creator Ankita Walawalkar, podcaster Jayanti Waghdhare, and filmmaker Kedar Joshi, all of whom represented Maharashtra at the prestigious festival after participating in events at the Indian Pavilion.
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Their presence not only showcased traditional Maharashtrian culture and fashion on an international platform but also reflected the growing global recognition of Marathi cinema, storytelling, and artistic excellence.
Making his Cannes debut, Ashok Saraf appeared on the red carpet in a crisp off-white bandhgala suit. He was accompanied by his wife, Nivedita Saraf, and the couple drew admiration for their graceful presence and warm chemistry.
Veteran actress Nivedita Saraf appeared in an elegant pastel green and grey Paithani saree, paired with a striking pink-purple drape. She completed her traditional look with a pearl necklace, a long diamond mangalsutra with black beads, a nath, and a crescent-shaped bindi on her forehead.
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Adding a unique touch to her attire, she carried a designer clutch inspired by Paithani art. Her neatly styled hair, adorned with a mogra gajra, further enhanced the grace and authenticity of her Maharashtrian look at Cannes 2026.
Actress Prajakta Mali made a memorable appearance at Cannes 2026 by proudly showcasing Maharashtrian culture on the global red carpet. Choosing tradition over western couture, she wore a blue and purple Nauvari saree paired with a classic Nath, reflecting elegance and cultural pride.Actress Prajakta Mali made a memorable appearance at Cannes 2026 by proudly showcasing Maharashtrian culture on the global red carpet. Choosing tradition over western couture, she wore a blue and purple Nauvari saree paired with a classic Nath, reflecting elegance and cultural pride.
She completed her look with traditional gold jewellery, including a choker, bangles, kamarbandh, and hair accessories. Her neatly styled bun and traditional bindi added an authentic Maharashtrian touch, making her appearance both regal and rooted in tradition.
Popular digital creator Ankita Walawalkar made a distinctive fashion statement at Cannes with her Indo-Western look. She wore a pastel pink dhoti-style saree featuring an attractive floral design, paired with an olive green sleeveless blouse.
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Keeping her look simple yet stylish, she accessorised with a multilayer pearl necklace, a matching bracelet, and silver anklets, creating a graceful blend of traditional and contemporary fashion.Journalist and anchor Jayanti Waghdhare created a distinct impression on the Cannes red carpet with her unique fusion attire. Moving away from the traditional saree style, she wore a wrap-around gown crafted from a Paithani saree, paired with a corset blouse featuring peacock embroidery. The outfit’s striking red and orange shades drew significant attention.
Journalist and anchor Jayanti Waghdhare created a distinct impression on the Cannes red carpet with her unique fusion attire. Moving away from the traditional saree style, she wore a wrap-around gown crafted from a Paithani saree, paired with a corset blouse featuring peacock embroidery. The outfit’s striking red and orange shades drew significant attention.
She completed her look with a green-and-pearl choker necklace, matching earrings, a mangtika, and a long braid decorated with traditional jewellery and a chandrakor. Green glass bangles and a Marathi nath added the perfect traditional finishing touch to her ensemble.
Cannes
The 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious and glamorous celebrations of cinema, is currently taking place in the beautiful French Riviera town of Cannes, France. The festival is being held from May 12 to May 23, 2026, bringing together filmmakers, actors, artists, media professionals and cinema enthusiasts from across the globe.
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The main venue for the festival is the iconic Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, situated along the famous Boulevard de la Croisette. Known as the heart of the Cannes Film Festival, the Palais des Festivals hosts major film premieres, red carpet appearances, press events and the presentation of the prestigious Palme d’Or award, the festival’s highest honour.
For 12 days, the venue transforms into the centre of the international film industry, where global cinema, fashion and culture come together on one stage. The festival not only celebrates outstanding filmmaking and artistic excellence, but also serves as an important platform for cultural exchange and creative collaboration from around the world.
Kajal Bhalerao
Kajal Bhalerao is currently pursuing Mass Communication and Journalism in B.Voc.