Nitanshi Goel Makes Dazzling Cannes Debut in Custom Jade Gown, Defies Dress Code with Grace

In a moment of pride for Indian cinema and fashion, 17-year-old actress Nitanshi Goel made her much-anticipated debut on the global stage at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival.

The young star, who won hearts with her acclaimed performance as Phool in Laapataa Ladies, turned heads on Day 3 of the international festival with her striking appearance in a custom couture gown by Jade.

Sharing glimpses from the red carpet on her social media handles, Nitanshi penned an emotional caption: “Still taking it all in…Grateful, honoured, and so proud to represent a bit of India on this global stage.

Walking the red carpet at Cannes felt like a dream — thank you for all the love, always.” Her heartfelt words resonated with fans and film enthusiasts alike, many of whom celebrated her journey from a rising star in Indian cinema to an international fashion and cultural ambassador.

The stunning outfit she wore was a meticulously crafted structured gown in an elegant palette of black and gold, designed exclusively by the Indian label Jade.

The dramatic ensemble featured an exaggerated silhouette with bold cuts, accentuated by a floor-length, sweeping tulle train that added grandeur and a fairytale-like quality to her look.

Nitanshi completed her ensemble with a sleek high ponytail, fresh dewy makeup, and minimalistic accessories, allowing her gown to take center stage.

However, Nitanshi’s sartorial choice may have unintentionally stepped outside the bounds of the newly established dress code guidelines set by Cannes organisers for this year’s edition.

Ahead of the festival’s grand opening on May 14, authorities issued a specific directive requesting attendees to refrain from wearing “voluminous outfits, in particular those with a large train,” citing concerns about obstructing guest movement and complicating seating arrangements within the theatre venue.

The advisory read: “Voluminous outfits, particularly those with a large train, that hinder the proper flow of traffic of guests and complicate seating in the theatre are not permitted.”

In addition to restrictions on gown volume, the festival also imposed a prohibition on nudity on the red carpet, citing decency and decorum as key reasons for the new code of conduct.

Despite these mandates, Nitanshi joins a growing list of celebrities who have confidently defied the regulations with their bold fashion statements.

International icons such as Bella Hadid, Heidi Klum, Chinese actress Wan QianHui, and French actress Frédérique Bel also made waves for choosing outfits that either featured large trains or challenged the guidelines in other ways, proving that the spirit of artistic expression remains central to the Cannes red carpet legacy.

This year’s Cannes Film Festival, now in its 78th edition, has seen an impressive Indian representation.

Apart from Nitanshi Goel, several high-profile Indian celebrities are scheduled to grace the red carpet, including Alia Bhatt, Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and director-producer Karan Johar. Veteran actor Anupam Kher was spotted at the festival on Day 2, continuing his long-standing engagement with global cinema.

Celebrated filmmaker Payal Kapadia, who brought immense pride to India by winning the prestigious Grand Prix award at last year’s festival, returned this year not as a competitor but as a jury member—solidifying her place in the international cinematic community.

On the professional front, Nitanshi Goel is riding high on the success of Laapataa Ladies, a poignant and humorous film directed by Kiran Rao that earned her widespread acclaim.

Her powerful portrayal of Phool, a young bride lost and found in the Indian heartland, recently won her the IIFA Award for Best Actress—an impressive milestone for such a young talent.

The 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, which opened on May 14, is set to conclude on May 25. As the event unfolds, all eyes remain on the red carpet for more moments of cinematic glamour, cultural dialogue, and fashion-forward rebellion.