Ruchi Gujjar, an Indian actor and model, is once again getting a lot of attention at the Cannes Film Festival. This time, though, it’s not about her clothes. People have been talking about custom, women’s identity, and the long standing practice of ghunghat pratha in some places in India since she showed up.
Ruchi showcased her cultural roots on the international red carpet in a Rajasthani outfit adorned with intricate embroidery and traditional jewelry. But her message had a greater social meaning that went beyond the glitz. There are reports that she asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak out against ghunghat pratha, which is the habit of women covering their faces with a veil in strict societies.
A Look at Cannes That Made People Talk
Ruchi’s outfit at the Cannes Film Festival was unique, as it blended traditional Rajasthani style with a strong social message. Her outfit featured Gota Patti needlework, Bandhani cloth, mirror work and a very fancy skirt based on Rajasthan’s royal history. The star also wore statement-making jewels that drew a lot of attention online.
People talked about her look on social media. Many people praised her for proudly showing off Indian culture to the world, but some wondered if such a strong message was right for Cannes. The argument got even stronger when her dress choices were linked to bigger debates about women’s rights and social norms.
The ghunghat has been a touchy subject in Indian culture for a long time. Some see it as a sign of custom and respect, while others see it as a sign of the limits that are put on women. Ruchi turned a fashion moment into a social talk by bringing the problem to the attention of people around the world at an international event.
Read also: Meet the three Indian trailblazers who created worldwide news
Saying Bad Things About Ghunghat Pratha
Reports say Ruchi’s message wasn’t against tradition or culture itself, but against the pressure that many women feel. People are already talking about women’s rights and equality across different parts of the country, and her call for awareness of ghunghat pratha has hit home.
The actor has talked in the past about how hard it is for women from strict backgrounds to make it in show business and public life. She is from Rajasthan and has said many times that deciding to become an actress or model wasn’t what people expected of her.
So, her showing at Cannes also had a special meaning for her. She seemed to convey that respecting culture and supporting women’s freedom can go together by discussing women’s freedom while dressed in traditional clothes.
Read also: Cannes Drama Explodes: Shobhaa De’s Brutal Dig At Alia Bhatt
Social media was split over what she said
Online responses were, as expected, all over the place. Some users praised her bravery and thought that international events like Cannes could help draw attention to the social problems that Indian women face. Others said that these kinds of things shouldn’t be talked about at red carpet events.
A lot of people also had different ideas about what her clothes and jewels meant. Some people said it was a celebration of Indian culture, while others said it was controversial and just wanted to get attention. It didn’t take long for the talk to move beyond fashion and include feminism, custom and inclusion.
Of note, this is not the first time that the ghunghat has been a topic of discussion in the country. Recently, movies, TV shows, and famous people have also discussed whether the practice should continue in today’s world. Ruchi’s arrival has only added to the talk that was already going on.
Read also: Alia Bhatt’s Cannes 2026 First Look Breaks the Internet
There are changes in Indian fashion at Cannes
Over the years, Indian celebrities at Cannes have increasingly used fashion to discuss their identities, politics and personal lives. People no longer just wear traditional clothes for fashion; they also wear them to convey social and cultural messages.
This changing trend was evident in Ruchi Gujjar’s style. She didn’t wear the usual red carpet attire as she decided to showcase Rajasthan’s craftsmanship and draw attention to a problem affecting women living in strict communities.
It didn’t matter whether people agreed with her; her look sparked a conversation that went far beyond the red carpet. People talking about ghunghat pratha, women’s rights, and ethnic identity can now be found on leisure and social media sites.
Ruchi made sure that her moment at Cannes was about more than just fashion, even though the festival is known for films and glitz. It was a warning that public performances by famous people can sometimes start bigger social arguments, especially when politics and culture meet on a global stage.
A versatile writer mainly works on trending news, daily updates from politics, business, crime, current affairs and entertainment.
