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29 March 2024

Cannes: Where Katrina Kaif and Sonam failed, Richa Chadha wins

Published
By Entertainment Correspondent

By now some of your social media timelines must have been flooded with pictures of Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Katrina Kaif and Sonam Kapoor (and many others) gliding down the Cannes red carpet.

We are going to flood it more, but this time it's more than the Ellie Saab, Ralph & Russo or Oscar De La Renta dresses.

Let's talk about movies - that's what Cannes is meant for, right?

Richa Chadha (3rd-R) attends the Premiere of 'Youth' during the 68th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2015 in Cannes, France. (Getty images)

Let's shift our focus to an actress and her movie that got 'unstoppable applause' at Cannes.

Debutant director Neeraj Ghaywan's film 'Masaan' wowed audience during the screening in the UN Certain Regard category.

When applauded in foreign land by foreign audience this Indian film got India's attention.

Until news of standing ovation spread on social media, Ghaywan and Richa's 'Masaan' got no mention by Indian media as opposed to the wardrobe of women flown into a film festival to promote a cosmetics brand.

Present at the screening, lead actress Richa Chadha witnessed her movie receiving a five-minute standing ovation.

The film also stars Sanjay Mishra, Shweta Tripathi and Nikhil Sahni.

It was the most glorious and proudest moment for team 'Masaan' at Cannes.

Ghaywan's 'Masaan' is set in Varanasi which depicts lives of three people and how their lives get entwined in the world of small-town moralities.

The film is one of two from India being screened in the UN Certain Regard section - the other is the Punjabi language 'Chauthi Koot'.

Known for her craft as an actress Richa was moved to tears, overwhelmed with happiness and love showered on the international platform.

Facebook: Sabyasachi

The director, too, was ecstatic with the response to his film. He took to Twitter to voice his emotions, "Broke down at the unstoppable applause. Thanks everyone! Missed you so much @anuragkashyap72, editor @nitin_baid, DP @avinasharun20!"

While most of her Bollywood colleagues were busy displaying exquisite designer outfits, Richa was sidelined by Indian media untill her work brought her in focus.

Not that Ms Chadha didn't stand out as far as fashion is concerned.

(L-R) Actress Richa Chadha, director Neeraj Ghaywan, actress Shweta Tripathi and actor Vicky Kaushal attend the 'Masaan' Photocall during the 68th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2015 in Cannes, France. (Getty images)

The actress apparently had 15 designers clamouring to dress her at the Cannes.

But she picked a Sabyasachi Spring Summer 2015 to wear to the premiere - a mint and pink sari with a shimmering blouse. She looked stunningly sexy.

During the day for the photo-call the actress wore a printed look in a Giles Fall 2015 look. She styled her dress with nude pumps, bright lip and an updo.

Actress Richa Chadha attends the 'Masaan' Photocall during the 68th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2015 in Cannes, France. (Getty Images)

Moving away from the black and whites for photo-calls Richa breathed life with this printed number.

And if you thought she can only manage a sari, think again. At the premiere of 'Youth' on Wednesday night Richa looked extremely elegant in a blushing pink Gauri and Nainika.

Going the minimalist route, her look was finished with simple pearl studs, a glossy lip and low bun.

Richa Chadha attends the Premiere of 'Youth' during the 68th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2015 in Cannes, France. (Getty)

But let's keep in mind Cannes is a film festival not a fashion fest.

So while Katrina's red dress and Sonam's feather gown can be dissected I am sure Richa's cinematic crafts can also be applauded.

The last time Richa was at Cannes was as part of the cast of Anurag Kashyap's 'Gangs of Wasseypur' which played to a packed house in 2012.

We are sure Richa will come back to Cannes and again her work will speak louder for her.