'India's first actor', Urvashi Rautela, who has been slaying at Cannes, opened the Cannes Film Festival 2026 with panache on Day 1. The actor, who never skips Cannes, added glam and glitter to the festival. Urvashi indeed exuded main character energy on the red carpet. A mainstay at Cannes, she turned heads in a high-octane silver ensemble that defined red carpet glitz.
Well, how is it even possible that when we have Urvashi, she doesn't say something that grabs headlines? The actor wore an outfit created by the Vietnamese designer label JoliPoli Couture. Her body-hugging sheer silhouette transitioned into a delicate lavender-toned mesh. The bodice was heavily encrusted with thousands of silver crystals, beads, and architectural stonework, creating a shimmering armour effect.
Her look was elevated by voluminous, sweeping sheer cape sleeves that trailed behind her like wings, adding a regal and ethereal movement to her walk. Complementing the silver theme, Urvashi wore a striking maang tika-style headpiece adorned with a bird motif and sparkling tassels, paired with matching oversized earrings.
Speaking to Brut directly from the red carpet, the actor got emotional about her return. When asked about her outfit and her presence at the festival, she delivered a message of national pride: "Whenever I represent my country, I'm no more Urvashi, I'm India... I'm wearing this very beautiful designer from Vietnam called JoliPoli, and it's my pleasure to represent my country, India, at the opening ceremony of Cannes Film Festival 2026."
She went on to highlight the significance of the milestone, stating, "It's my fifth year in a row. I feel very proud, and I've always represented my country in the best possible manner... Today is going to be truly special."
Needless to say, Urvashi was trolled for saying, "I'm no more Urvashi, I'm India" and then wearing an outfit created by Vietnamese designer label JoliPoli. She was criticised for her outfit, with many saying she looked more dressed for a fancy dress event than Cannes. Others also pointed out her overdone white cakey makeup and said the look lacked poise and grace.
"@urvashirautela you are representing India and wearing a dress from vietnam? " wrote one user.
"I love on what planet she is on REPRESENT without invitation . Only Urvashi things " another commented.
"How is this representing India? " read another reaction.
"Fir to saree pehna chaiye the dress you are wearing is not wore in any culture of India ✅️" said a fourth user.
"I wanna know what drug is she on? She is so blingy? Does that represent India? She looks like a carnival dancer," another user wrote.
One more user said, "Vietnam is in India? Lol. "
"Don't represent India like this. Please, you are embarrassing us" wrote a user.
"Oh, I can't unwatch this. She just collectively pulled all of us down..", another comment read.
And not just this, Urvashi also had an awkward and embarrassing moment on the red carpet when international media seemingly failed to recognise her, while she continued waving and posing for the cameras. In fact, a person from the Cannes team was even seen gesturing to her that she now needs to move from the red carpet.
