The prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2025 kicks off today, May 13, and it promises a wide range of Indian talent on the international stage. Among the standout names creating buzz this year are Bollywood star Alia Bhatt, who will be making her much-anticipated debut at the festival. But did you know that Laapataa Ladies star Nitanshi Goel is also set to make a historic appearance as the youngest Indian actor to debut at Cannes?
Fresh off her film Laapataa Ladies being selected as India’s official entry to the Oscars 2025, Nitanshi Goel is now taking another giant leap in her career. The young actress is all set to walk the red carpet at Cannes.
Speaking with IANS, Nitanshi reflected on her journey from dreaming big as a child actor to making her mark at one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals. “I’m that girl who is representing every Indian girl out there who dreams big and is ready to go and achieve them, come what may,” she shared.
She also expressed that walking the Cannes red carpet isn’t just about fashion or fame—it’s about empowerment. For Nitanshi, her presence at the festival symbolizes hope for countless young women aiming to break barriers and carve their own paths. “It’s an absolute honour,” she said of the opportunity.
While Nitanshi represents the new generation of Indian talent, Alia Bhatt is arriving at Cannes 2025 with the poise of a global star stepping into a new spotlight. The Gangubai Kathiawadi actress has long been a fashion icon and powerhouse performer, and her Cannes debut is one of the most anticipated moments of the festival.
Although details of Alia’s appearance are still under wraps, fans are eagerly waiting to see what style statement she’ll make on the red carpet.
More Indian stars to watch at Cannes 2025
Joining the Bollywood brigade at this year’s festival are Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a regular at Cannes known for her show-stopping looks, as well as Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khattar, both expected to bring fresh energy to the red carpet.
Nitanshi Goel’s breakout role in Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies has been a turning point in her career. The film, which stars Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, Ravi Kishan, and Chhaya Kadam, tells the heartwarming and humorous story of two newlywed brides who accidentally switch places during a train ride to their in-laws’ homes, triggering a chain of unexpected events.
The film received critical acclaim and struck a chord with audiences for its unique narrative and empowering message—and now it’s taking its stars to Cannes.