From Mrinal Sen, Aishwarya to Deepika, Indians who have been on the Cannes jury

Indians who have been on the Cannes jury

We are now back at the yearly ritual of celebrating films on the shores of the French Riviera as we are just a couple of days away from the commencement of the Cannes Film Festival 2024. A festival that is a mecca for filmmakers, actors, producers, and everyone involved with the medium that sprinkles magic on the 70 mm screen. Every year the world is focused on what is happening in Cannes in those 10 days. The festival this year is from May 14 to May 25 and will have the who's who of the film fraternity from across the world mark their attendance. But what is more prestigious is the jury that judges the movies at the festival.

Deepika Padukone made a massive buzz last year when she was on the jury for the festival and the country was suddenly made aware of what a high responsibility that is. Over the years, Indians have always had a mark at the festival but with social media, it is now quite visible to the world. So now as we inch closer to the opening day of the festival, let's look at all the Indians who have been on the jury at the Cannes Film Festival over the years.

Deepika Padukone (2023)

Deepika Padukone made history last year as she represented India at the Cannes Film Festival as the jury. The moment she walked on the red carpet in a Sabyasachi saree on the opening night, it became the highlight of the night and the world was glued. The Piku actor, in her interviews later, spoke about the responsibility and how she was honoured to be on the panel with the prestigious folks from the world of films.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (2003)

Aishwarya walked so Deepika could fly. This is technically where it all began. After making her Cannes debut in 2002 alongside Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Shah Rukh Khan for Devadas which won many awards, Rai was on the jury exactly the next year. This was the first time an Indian actor was on the Cannes Jury ever. Aishwarya has walked the Cannes Film Festival red carpet the most number of times for any Indian.

Mrinal Sen (1982)

Talking of first, let's celebrate the first Indian to have ever made it to the Cannes Film Festival jury. Filmmaker Mrinal Sen was on the prestigious jury in the year 1982 when his movie Kharij won the Jury Prize. The filmmaker has had a glorious Cannes history ever since with many of his movies making it to the festival.

Mira Nair (1990)

Mira Nair has certainly made India proud throughout her career, and the filmmaker has also been on the jury for the Cannes Film Festival in the year 1990. For the unversed, her film Salaam Bombay is the winner of the Audience Award at the festival and was also nominated in the Festival's Golden Camera Category for Best Feature Film.

Arundhati Roy (2000)

Arundhati Roy has always been a silent winner who has achieved massive milestones in life. Already the Booker Prize title holder, she was also on the jury at the Cannes Film Festival in the year 2000.

Sharmila Tagore (2009)

You can call the legendary Sharmila Tagore a Cannes Veteran because she has gone to the festival with a Satyajit Ray film. Yes, Devi was at the festival in 1962 and it was an honour for the country. In 2009, however, Tagore was invited to the jury and it was indeed an iconic moment.

Nandita Das (2005)

Nandita Das has always been a distinct voice amongst the filmmakers of her time. In 2005, the Mamto filmmaker was on the Cannes Film Festival jury and did get a global platform. She was invited back in 2013 to be on the panel for Cinefondation, a Cannes Foundation that empowers the next generation of filmmakers and was also on the jury for Short Films.

Shekhar Kapur (2010)

Shekhar Kapur is a living icon for Indian cinema and there can never be another like him. The filmmaker who has Golden Globes, BAFTA and more nominations in his kitty was on the Cannes Film Festival jury in 2010. The filmmaker is known for his movies like Mr. India, Bandit Queen and more."

Vidya Balan (2013)

Vidya Balan may not have had a film at the festival, but her performances and calibre have landed her the opportunity to be on the Cannes Film Festival jury exactly a decade before Deepika Padukone. In 2013, Balan walked the red carpet in a beautiful saree and was in the jury at the Festival.