17 years at one of the world’s biggest international film festivals, 15 of them as L’Oréal Paris’ brand ambassador and two as a jury member, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan continues to reign at Cannes. One candid interview with the star and you’ll get acquainted with a side of her that she doesn’t often show on-screen. Under that flawless face, she’s a fierce multi-faceted personality with an even dynamic voice. She doesn’t boast, and her natural modesty is what sets her apart.
Bachchan speaks of everything from being a working mother, constantly being under the radar for her red carpet choices and her biopic Sarabhjit that releases this month.
Vogue sits with her to know what it’s like being one of the world’s most beautiful women, an actor, a mother and everything in between… and not feeling the pressure of it all.
On going unconventional on the red carpet
This year, for the 69th edition of Cannes Film Festival, Bachchan’s first appearance was in an Ali Younes gown, and she slayed and shimmered in that gold hand-beaded cape. But there’s one common element you might have noticed in her Cannes appearances: she’s always gravitated towards experimental make-up. This time, make-up artist Charlotte Willer gave her an almost-theatric electric blue eye and glossy nude lips, while hairstylist Stephane Lancien matched it with big, beautiful waves. And like every uncommon and unorthodox piece of work, it had its share of lovers and haters. To that, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan says, “I normally tend to lean towards palettes that are much softer, earthy tones, harmonious matches like a soft eye and bold lips, but when I come here, there’s always something new and different; the looks are very forward. They’re “risks”, but very fashionably done. And it takes experts to do that!”
On always being under the scanner 24/7
You’d think the intense pressure to always look perfect for a woman known to be the epitome of beauty might get to her, but Bachchan keeps herself rooted, “The fact that I belong to showbiz forever, playing dress up has become a way of life. I keep teasing everyone on how one day I’ll wear a white shirt and jeans to the red carpet! And just like art, the fashion choices you make work for some, and may not work for others. But it’s nice to have immensely talented and creative people to dress me up, or you’d see me in one avatar all the time.”
When it comes to making an appearance and choosing her couture piece for the day, she keeps it cool, “I don’t take it too seriously. I’m an actor by career choice, I enjoy fashion and treat it like art, and I have a life and family. I didn’t have time to look at all the sartorial choices that the fashion industry spoils me with as I was busy with promotions for Sarabhjit, but few pieces I could go through have come handy. I just like to go with the flow and have fun with it. It doesn’t stress me out.”
On commercial versus serious cinema
“It’s my choice. I chose to do this, just like if i wanted, I could always go for an easier path and choose to do a sure-shot blockbuster that will appeal to the masses. I am extremely proud of the movies I’ve done, and grateful to the audiences who’ve supported my choices. It is very liberating and reassures directors to approach me for this kind of cinema. But I’ve always been inclined towards work that has a message, and the message in Sarabhjit is simple, of peace and hope. Through the story of a woman from a small town who despite struggling for over 20 years for justice continued trying. It’s the kind of resilience she had, that will teach you to never give up.”
On taking her daughter Aaradhaya to Cannes
“She has my kind of built-in energy, she loves the experience, the colours, the people and the place. And now that she’s been here before, she remembers it all when she comes back. So each year when it’s time to come back, she recollects her Cannes moments and knows that it’s going to be that time of the year, our time together!”
