The Cannes red carpet face-off: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Vs Sonam Kapoor

by Shivendra Singh · May 12, 2015

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan received much flak for her red carpet appearances in comparison to Sonam Kapoor in 2011 at Cannes.

It will be the ultimate fashion face-off between divas Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor at the 68th Cannes Film Festival which begins from May 13. While both actress have had good and bad days on the carpet in the past, it will be most interesting to see who outshines the other this year. Besides, we have another diva, Katrina Kaif joining the ladies at Cannes 2015.

Sonam Kapoor, who is one of the main reasons for the fashion revolution in Bollywood today, was announced as the face of the cosmetic giant L’Oreal back in 2009, joining an elite circle of divas including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Michelle Yeoh and Eva Longoria.

That same year, just days after Sonam Kapoor announced that she would be walking the Cannes red carpet as a L’Oreal spokeswoman, the company announced otherwise.

In Pics: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s 14 years at Cannes Film Festival

Reportedly Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was not at all happy at having company on the red carpet. It was her understanding that she was the international face of the company, while Sonam would represent the Indian face.

Sonam on her part was deeply upset on missing out her debut at the French Riviera. Not one to keep shut about her thoughts and feelings, the actress angrily retorted, “Aishwarya is an aunty from another generation.” But, Aishwarya on her part chose to maintain a dignified silence on the matter.

Finally in 2011, Sonam Kapoor made her Cannes debut, flooring one and all with her appearances and choice of wardrobe.

Her outfit choices included a stunning white Jean Paul Gaultier couture gown, a white flowy dress by The Row and a monochrome sari by Masaba.

She also stunned in a beautiful rich Roberto Cavalli dress. That year, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan received much flak for her red carpet appearances in comparison to Sonam.

The following two years – 2012 and 2013 also saw the actress at the top of her fashion game. A black tulle gown by Alexander McQueen at the closing ceremony of the 65th Cannes International Film Festival was one of the favourites.

Last year, Sonam Kapoor as always dazzled us with her red carpet looks. Her outfits included a stunning black voluminous Elie Saab couture gown that she donned for the ‘Homesman’ premiere. The elegant hairdo and the Chopard earrings made the whole look work beautifully.

Though as much as we love black, we’re impressed by the actress’ love for colour too. Sonam’s next look – the gorgeous red flowy Elie Saab gown with the lace back simply floored us.

As for her ethnic look, the diva was gorgeous in a pale pink Anamika Khanna sari-inspired dress. The sleek hairdo and the Sunita Kapoor choker made it a sure winner.

But her final look at Cannes was my all-time favourite – the beauty picked a lilac strapless gown, once again by Elie Saab with a Chopard necklace for the Chopard party.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made us forgive and forget all her past blunders on the Cannes red carpet with her 2014 looks. For the premiere of ‘Two Days, One Night’, the beauty queen flaunted her beautiful curves in a strapless gold coloured Roberto Cavalli gown with a graceful train. Bright red lips and voluminous waves finished off her look.

For her second appearance, Aishwarya once again picked a Cavalli gown in a mermaid-cut pattern, which also had a train. Though the looks were similar, the actress looked too beautiful to be faulted.