Iti Acharya returns to Cannes with new film projects, reveals truth behind Alia Bhatt and Aishwarya Rai's 'ignored' rumours

Actress and producer Iti Acharya made her return to the Cannes Film Festival this year, arriving with an exciting new slate of film projects. In a recent conversation, Iti opened up about her experience at the festival and also weighed in on the rumours surrounding Alia Bhatt and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan allegedly being ignored at Cannes, offering her own perspective on what really goes on behind the scenes.

Iti Acharya talks about her Cannes experience and the films she brought to the festival

Talking to ETimes, Acharya said about her experience at Cannes, “I have been attending the Cannes Film Festival since 2022, representing the South Indian film industry, and every year the experience becomes more overwhelming, more educational, more inspiring and somehow feels completely new all over again. My main motive behind participating at Cannes has always been FILMS, to refine myself, to learn, to grow, to understand how world cinema operates and how artists across the globe are shaping their journeys and professions.

It is one of the most incredible platforms for actors and filmmakers from around the world to come together, exchange ideas, learn from one another and discover new ways to collaborate. This year, I brought a new slate of film projects from different languages and cultural backgrounds, continuing my growing journey as an actor and producer on the global stage. After first stepping into film production at Cannes in 2022, this year I introduced “TRIYA,” a multilingual woman-centric film and a story that has stayed deeply with me.

I also have several other projects that I am either co-producing or acting in, including “The Shoes I Wore,” starring Inamulhaq under the IQ Cinematic banner, and a Tamil poetic tribute against the growing violence towards women titled “From All Men Around the World,” created by the indie collective 3 AM Cigaz.”

Iti Acharya reveals why Alia Bhatt and Aishwarya Rai were allegedly ignored at Cannes

Addressing the rumours surrounding Alia Bhatt and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan being ignored at Cannes, she said, “One thing people need to understand is that Cannes takes place in France, and while media from all over the world attends the festival, a large percentage of the press and photographers are still France and Europe based.

Naturally, they may not immediately recognise many of our Indian stars. I still remember my very first Cannes red carpet.

Hardly any photographers clicked my pictures, and for a long time I assumed it was because I wasn’t wearing an international designer. But later, after working closely with several European brands and festival sponsors, I realised that wasn’t the reason at all. There is a certain protocol and ecosystem through which the media functions there.

Often, photographers are assigned to cover ambassadors, partner brands or represented personalities connected to sponsors and agencies. Understanding these things comes with experience, and over the years I’ve learned how the festival truly works behind the scenes. Instead of criticising our artists, I genuinely feel we should feel proud that Indian talent is consistently marking its presence on one of the world’s biggest cinematic stages and representing our country globally.

Appreciation must begin at home first.

Iti Acharya explains strict Cannes dress code and her effort to include Indian designers

Sharing her thoughts on wearing traditional dresses on the red carpet, she said, “The moment my festival participation gets confirmed, my inbox starts flooding with invitations from European fashion houses, PR agencies and international designer showrooms offering to dress me for the red carpet. For someone attending multiple premieres during the festival, it is naturally the most convenient option.

Working with European brands and festival sponsors has also helped me understand how strict the official dress protocols are for gala premieres — black bow tie for men and elegant evening gowns or cocktail dresses with formal heels for women.

These rules mainly apply to the official 6 PM and 9 PM gala premieres. The dress code is clearly mentioned on the tickets and on the festival website, which is accessible only to officially accredited attendees.

Most other screenings during the day are regular film screenings where people often dress casually, while some fashion enthusiasts choose to experiment creatively. As an officially accredited member and invitee of the festival, I personally feel it is my responsibility to respect the festival dress-code protocols and present myself in a dignified manner without losing my individuality. At the same time, I constantly make an effort to incorporate Indian designers, Indian craftsmanship and Indian artistry wherever possible.”“Over the years, for my red carpet appearances, I have worn a hand-beaded saree by a designer from Phagwara, a custom gown by a North-East Indian designer and an Indo-western ensemble by a

Tamil Nadu

based designer, styled alongside European handbags, American jewellery and handcrafted accessories created by Indian artisans. As long as the look remains elegant, respects the festival guidelines and stays true to who I am, I feel proud representing my people and my culture.

Beyond the main red carpet, if someone chooses to represent Indian art, culture or personal creativity in their own way, I believe that effort should also be appreciated.

Even my own Cannes journey has evolved over the years. I have gradually moved away from more experimental red-carpet choices and now focus more on elegance, grace and timeless styling. But more than my looks, I want to be remembered for my work, the stories I choose to tell and the films I bring to life”, she concluded.