By Tanveer Zaidi ( Actor, Author, Educationist)
Veteran Bollywood icons Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal graced the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2025, leaving an indelible impression with their sophisticated and regal appearances.
Their presence on the red carpet during the screening of Satyajit Ray’s 1970 classic Aranyer Din Ratri on May 20, 2025, added a unique charm to the event, bridging the golden era of Indian cinema with the global stage of contemporary film.
The two celebrated actresses, known not only for their immense contributions to Indian cinema but also for their dignified personas, captivated audiences and media alike with their choice of traditional Indian attire.
Dressed in graceful, culturally rich ensembles, both women exuded a timeless beauty and poise that resonated across generations. Their fashion choices were elegant yet understated, drawing praise for their authenticity and refined taste.
A Celebration of Indian Cinema’s Golden Era
The screening of Aranyer Din Ratri, one of Satyajit Ray’s most revered works, was a moment of pride for Indian cinema at Cannes. It was made even more significant by the presence of Sharmila Tagore, who starred in the film.
As an actress who has worked with some of the finest filmmakers in Indian and world cinema, her appearance at Cannes served as a poignant reminder of the legacy and international impact of Indian filmmakers like Ray.
Sharmila Tagore, who began her acting career with Ray’s Apur Sansar (1959), went on to become one of Bollywood’s most successful leading ladies.
Her off-screen life also attracted public attention, particularly her marriage to the legendary cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, who was not only the former captain of the Indian cricket team but also the Nawab of Pataudi.
Their union was seen as a fairytale romance, blending the worlds of sports, royalty, and cinema. She is also the mother of actor Saif Ali Khan and the mother-in-law of actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, making her a prominent figure in modern Bollywood lineage.
Simi Garewal’s Debut Appearance at Cannes
For Simi Garewal, Cannes 2025 marked her debut appearance at the international festival, and she was met with warmth and admiration.
Known for her refined and stylish persona, Simi is remembered not only for her film roles but also for her iconic talk show Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, which showcased her poise and articulate demeanor.
Her cinematic journey began with an English-language film, Tarzan Goes to India (1962), in which she starred opposite Feroz Khan — a role that earned her recognition in the English-speaking world.
At Cannes, Simi Garewal’s presence alongside Sharmila Tagore served as a tribute to the era when Indian cinema was beginning to receive global recognition.
The two actresses, both hailed for their unique beauty and elegance, were celebrated not only as film stars but as enduring symbols of grace.
Social Media and Media Reactions
Following their appearance, photos and videos of Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal on the red carpet quickly went viral on social media platforms. Users and media outlets across India and internationally flooded platforms with comments admiring the duo’s elegance, describing them as “royalty personified”.
Hashtags like #SharmilaTagore, #SimiGarewal, #Cannes2025, and #AranyerDinRatri began trending, with many users expressing joy and pride in seeing Indian cinema’s golden icons being honored on such a global platform.
Their presence was a reminder that beauty, style, and relevance transcend age — and that true icons never fade. The coverage in both domestic and international media emphasized how gracefully they carried the legacy of Indian cinema, standing out amid the glitz and glamour with their understated charm and historical relevance.
The appearance of Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal at Cannes 2025 will be remembered not only as a celebration of Indian cinema but also as a powerful cultural moment highlighting the enduring appeal of classic film stars.
Their grace, poise, and commitment to representing Indian traditions on a global stage transformed an already prestigious festival into an even more meaningful event for Indian cinema lovers.
Their participation in the screening of Aranyer Din Ratri was not just an appearance — it was a celebration of heritage, artistry, and timeless style.