Kabir Singh Bhandari

Breakout star of Netflix’s Dubai Bling Farhana Bodi returned this year to the 78th Cannes Film Festival. With Cannes just having kicked off, she tells us about her experience of the festival, her company I Woman of the World and the impact Dubai Bling had on her life.

Q. Tell us about your Cannes experience over the years.

A. I remember my first time on that Red Carpet, it felt surreal. Over the years, it’s become more than just about fashion or films. It’s about representing women on a global platform. Every year, I push myself to evolve, to bring something fresh, whether it’s through my styling, storytelling, or presence. But the butterflies? They never go away!

Q. Anything about Cannes that isn’t spoken about much?

A. Oh, so much! People see the photos but not the chaos before them: running in heels, changing outfits in vans, last-minute glam touch-ups, managing schedules with no sleep. And there’s a lot of emotion too. It’s not just glitter,  it’s grit behind the glamour.

Q. How, when & why did you start I Woman of the World?

A. I wanted to create a platform that wasn’t just about beauty or fashion, but about voice. I wanted to celebrate powerful women, their stories, their cultures and their individuality. 

Q. How did Dubai Bling happen?

A. Dubai Bling kind of found me! I was approached for the show, and at first I wasn’t sure, letting cameras into your life isn’t easy. But I also saw it as a chance to show the world my life and to represent strong, independent Indian women on a big stage. It was intense, real, dramatic—and definitely a wild ride!

Q. How did life change after Dubai Bling?

A. In every way, honestly. People recognised me everywhere. It was overwhelming at first, but beautiful too. It opened doors, created conversations and gave me a louder voice. But it also came with pressure, to stay grounded, authentic and clear about who I am. I’ve learned to filter the noise & focus on my purpose.

Q. What do you like best about Dubai?

A. Everything! Dubai is where I found my independence, my rhythm, my tribe. I love its energy, it’s bold, fast-paced, and unapologetically ambitious. Plus, let’s be real… no one does luxury quite like Dubai!

Q. In tough times, what do you do to feel balanced and stronger?

A. I go quiet. I journal. I pray. I spend time with my son, he’s my grounding force. I also surround myself with people who bring real energy, not just Instagram energy. And if all else fails, a solo spa day or long walk by the beach always helps reset my spirit.

Q. Going by your Insta profile, it seems you sleep at night in a diamond-studded dress too? :-)

A. Haha! Let’s just say, I like my nights to sparkle, even if it’s just my skincare routine doing the shining! But honestly, the glam is fun, but I promise there’s a cozy robe and messy bun side to me too. I just don’t post her often!

French actor Theo Navarro-Mussy banned at festival 

Theo Navarro-Mussy has been banned from walking the red carpet at the Cannes due to serious allegations of “rape and sexual assault.” This is also the first time the festival has banned an actor due to such accusations. Mussy, who stars in Dominik Moll’s film Dossier 137, which premiered on Thursday in the Cannes competition, has been accused by three former partners of rape, physical violence, and emotional abuse.

Red Sea honouree

Jacqueliene Fernandez, who is all set to represent India at the Red Sea Film Festival, being hosted at Cannes, says she is delighted to be an honouree at the event. The actress took to Instagram with a series of pictures from her visit to the Cannes, where she turned heads in a striking white and silver ensemble.

Her post offered fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her glamorous journey from getting her makeup done to giving interviews and sharing radiant moments with fellow honourees.  For the caption, she wrote: “Cannes Day 1 with @redseafilm Delighted to be an honouree at the women in cinema initiative that champions female storytellers. #redseaiff #womenincinema #redseafilmfoundation.”

Bharat Pavilion inaugurated 

The Bharat Pavilion has been inaugurated at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. The inauguration ceremony was attended by IFFI and NFDC festival director Shekhar Kapur, veteran actor Anupam Kher and Anne-Louise Mésadieu, Paris Region elected official, Ambassador and Special Delegate for Diplomatic Relations. 

Fashion takes spotlight

Eva Longoria

Eva turned up the heat with a metallic blue gown featuring a halter-style neckline and a body-skimming silhouette. A ruched detail on one side added texture and intrigue. 

Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum floated down the red carpet in a dreamy silver gown with an off-shoulder neckline, a plunging cut at the front, and a form-fitting design that showed off her statuesque frame. With her hair in beachy waves and makeup that highlighted her natural glow, Heidi looked like a red carpet goddess.

Women’s initiative launched at Cannes

Academy Award winner Guneet Monga’s initiative, Women in Film India, is making its global debut at the Cannes Film Festival with the launch of a fellowship for producers, including Tillotama Shome. The first initiative kicks off at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival - a special programme spotlighting three women producers from India.