Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela, a regular fixture at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, once again turned heads on the red carpet, this time with a rather unconventional accessory. For the opening ceremony of the 78th edition of the festival, Rautela sported a vibrant, multi-colored floor-length gown with a dramatic extended tulle train. However, it was her choice of handbag that truly set the internet abuzz – a crystal-encrusted, parrot-shaped clutch reportedly worth a staggering ₹4 lakh.
The eye-catching clutch, identified by fashion observers as a Judith Leiber design priced at approximately $5,495 (around ₹4.68 lakh), became the focal point of Rautela’s red carpet appearance. She was seen playfully posing with the bejeweled bird, even planting a kiss on its head for the cameras.
While Rautela aimed for a high-fashion fantasy with her ensemble, which also included a statement tiara and bold makeup, the internet had a field day dissecting her look. Social media platforms were flooded with memes and witty remarks, with many finding the combination of the elaborate gown and the quirky clutch rather jarring.
One user humorously commented, “So beautiful, so elegant, just looking like a design machine studio,” while another quipped, “Is it a satire on camp?” The reactions ranged from amusement to outright criticism, with some even referencing her recent film, “Daaku Maharaaj,” and questioning if it was being screened at the festival.
Perhaps one of the most viral reactions came from a user who wrote, “Giving ‘Moulin Rouge meets Mayur Vihar‘ realness.” This comment seemed to resonate with many, conjuring an image of the flamboyant aesthetics of the Parisian cabaret juxtaposed with the perceived fashion sensibilities of the East Delhi locality. The comment cleverly highlighted the perceived clash between high-fashion aspirations and a more everyday, perhaps slightly over-the-top, style.
Comparisons were also drawn to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s iconic 2018 Cannes appearance, where she sported a butterfly-inspired gown. While Rai’s look was widely lauded, Rautela’s attempt at a memorable fashion moment received a more mixed response. Some netizens even joked about her resembling a peacock, suggesting she belonged in a zoo rather than the red carpet.
Despite the trolling, some appreciated Rautela’s bold choice. Social media personality Orhan Awatramani and actress Bhumi Pednekar were among those who lauded her daring fashion statement.
The Cannes Film Festival, known for its glamour and high fashion, has a history of both iconic and controversial red carpet moments. This year, the festival organizers have reportedly issued a dress code emphasizing “no nudity, no volume” in an attempt to maintain a more streamlined and elegant atmosphere. Whether Rautela’s statement clutch adheres to this spirit is certainly up for debate.
As the festival progresses, it remains to be seen what other sartorial choices Indian celebrities like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sharmila Tagore, Janhvi Kapoor, and others will bring to the Cannes red carpet. However, Urvashi Rautela’s bejeweled parrot has certainly ensured that her opening appearance will be one that is talked about, and memed, for quite some time.