Cool Bollywood

Cannes has been getting ample doses of Bollywood glamour courtesy Aishwarya Rai and Mallika Sherawat. But it was Deepika Padukone who flew the flag for India high today on the French Riviera, looking glamorous in a sari.

While both Aishwarya and Mallika opted for Western couture, the 24-year-old took the six yard route to style as she stepped out on the red carpet in a Rohit Bal sari. She teamed the cream and gold confection with Kundan jewelery, a stone studded clutch and added a quirky touch with a chunky watch.

The former model’s traditional attire was complimented by a sparkly bindi and a neat bun, which left the ‘RK’ tattoo on her neck visible.

Deepika who is at the prestigious film festival as the brand ambassador of Chivas Regal, attended Mathieu Amalric’s French movie, Tournee along with Bal.

“When one is representing India in a very visible platform like the Cannes, gowns and elaborate western dresses do not really represent India. One should not only feel Indian, but also look Indian,” the designer said. The criticism seems to be leveled at Aishwarya, who always opts for Western designers for her stint at the film festival. The 36-year-old wore a violet tulle and mousseline gown from Elie Saab for the festival opening, but her ensemble did not win her any brownie points as her pompadour updo was criticised as “matronly”. For her second outing on the red carpet with fellow L’Oreal spokesmodel Eva Longoria, Aishwarya opted for a black Armani Prive strapless number, which hugged her curves.

Meanwhile Mallika who likes to shock with her fashion choices, has kept a low profile this year. She had opted for a simple white dress for the opening and wore a red gown for an after-party. She had grabbed headlines with her first appearance at Cannes, when she opted for a plunging golden blouse paired with a slashed skirt as she posed with Jackie Chan for the photocall of their film The Myth. Her fashion choices again caused a stir when she turned up at the premiere of Inglorious Basterds in Los Angeles wearing a sheer black gown with her underwear visible.

Actress Nandita Das who was a part of the Cannes jury in 2003 had won praise for wearing Indian ensembles at the festival including a silk sari, which she said had been a part of her wardrobe for years. The sari has moved on from being a daily Indian staple to an international style statement.

Sugababes, the popular girl band sported sarees and bindis in their latest avatar as Indian brides. The musical trio of Amelle Barabah, Heidi Range and Jade Ewen got an Indian make-over for the cover of Asian Woman magazine, reported Sun online.

Earlier the American group Pussycat Dolls had walked the red carpet wearing saris to announce their single Jai Ho. Liz Hurley, Victoria Beckham and Ashley Judd are some other Hollywood beauties who have worn the Indian ensemble.

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, who is blessed with a good figure, says she does not believe in being size zero as the Indian body type is not meant for it.

“Correct me if I am wrong, but I personally feel that the Indian body type is not cut out to be size zero. I am not size zero and I don’t believe in that either”, Deepika Padukone mentions.

“I believe that it’s nice to be little full and have a nice shape,” she added. The Bollywood actress was the show stopper for designer duo Shantanu & Nikhil’s show at the Lakme Fashion Week here Sunday.

According to Deepika, an actress gets a role for her performance and not the body type. “In the (film) industry, body size doesn’t matter. What matters is how much an actor contributes through his or her performance and not by body size,” explained Deepika.

“It is important that every person should wear clothes that go with their body – the cut, the fabric make a lot of difference,” she added.

Deepika Padukone, the sizzling hot sexy bombshell of bollywood who plays lead in upcoming “Karthik Calling Karthik” opposite Farhan Akhtar, is not satisfied with doing only commercial flicks and wants to work with ace director Madhur Bhandarkar in the sequel of “Corporate”. After the success of her debut film Om Shanti Om and her last release Love Aaj Kal, Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone seems to be beaming with confidence.

Even as she is busy promoting her latest offering Karthik Calling Karthik with Farhan Akhtar, another rumour has broken out that she is working with Madhur Bhandarkar. Deepika rubbished the reports that she is acting in Madhur’s next film, which is a sequel to the film Corporate.

However, she said that she would love to work in his film. She added that she was very much aware of the rumours.

He is one director she would love to work with, provided he comes with an interesting script. Will Madhur come with a script to Deepika, now that she has spoken out loud and clear that she would love to work with him? Madhur has to take the final call!