Cannes Rewind: When Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan lit up Cannes for 'Devdas'

With the Cannes Film Festival in full swing, fans recently revisited a truly memorable moment from 2002 that beautifully blended Indian cinema and style. A series of throwback pictures resurfaced online, capturing Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan attending Cannes for the grand screening of their film 'Devdas'.


The images show Aishwarya stunning in a traditional yellow saree, radiating elegance, while SRK looked dapper in a classic tuxedo. Their appearance marked a proud moment for Indian cinema on the global stage and remains one of the most iconic Cannes red carpet looks to this day.


21st Year at Cannes
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s 21st appearance at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. The Bollywood icon, who has long been a staple at the French Riviera, walked the red carpet just once during her visit in 2024.


Shahrukh Khan and Aishwariya's 'Devdas'– A Grand Saga of Love and Devotion


Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Devdas' (2002) remains one of the most iconic cinematic adaptations of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's classic novel. Decades earlier, in 1955, legendary filmmaker Bimal Roy had also brought the tale to the screen with Dilip Kumar, Suchitra Sen, and Vyjayanthimala.


In Bhansali’s visually rich version, Shah Rukh Khan stepped into the role of the tragic lover, Devdas. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan portrayed Paro, the childhood sweetheart, while Madhuri Dixit mesmerized audiences as Chandramukhi, the courtesan whose deep devotion added a poignant layer to the love triangle.


The film’s emotional depth, powerful performances, and grand aesthetics continue to resonate with audiences more than two decades later.

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