Cannes 2026: Ashok Saraf, wife Nivedita and Prajakta Mali bring Maharashtrian culture for their debut at red carpet

Ashok Saraf, Nivedita Saraf and Prajakta Mali

Veteran Marathi actor Ashok Saraf made his Cannes Film Festival debut at the age of 78, creating a proud moment for Marathi cinema on the global stage. The celebrated actor walked the red carpet at the 79th edition of the prestigious festival alongside his wife, actress Nivedita Saraf, holding her hand as the couple posed together for photographs.

Ashok Saraf debuts at Cannes with wife Nivedita

The appearance quickly grabbed attention online, with several photos and videos of the couple from Cannes going viral across social media platforms. Fans praised the iconic Marathi stars for representing regional cinema internationally while staying rooted in Maharashtrian culture. The couple reportedly chose traditional attire for the event, with Nivedita stunning in a classic saree while Ashok Saraf complemented her look in ethnic wear. Their elegant appearance was widely appreciated by fans and fellow celebrities alike.

Ashok Saraf, who has spent decades entertaining audiences through Marathi theatre, television, and films, is regarded as one of the most influential actors in Marathi cinema. Over the years, he has delivered several memorable performances in comedy and family dramas, earning a massive fan following across generations. His Cannes debut at 78 has been seen by many as a recognition of his immense contribution to Indian regional cinema.

Prajakta Mali also makes her debut with the cast

The veteran actor attended the festival as part of a Marathi entertainment delegation that also included actress Prajakta Mali and producer Kedar Joshi. Reports suggest the team travelled to Cannes for the global launch and promotion of the OTT platform Abhijat Marathi. The presence of Marathi artists at Cannes this year highlighted the growing international visibility of regional Indian entertainment industries beyond mainstream Bollywood.

Social media users celebrated the moment as historic for Marathi cinema. Several Reddit users called it a "proud day" for the industry, while others praised the couple's graceful chemistry and cultural representation at the international event. Many fans also expressed happiness at seeing Ashok Saraf receive global recognition after decades of contribution to Indian entertainment.

The Cannes Film Festival, one of the world's most prestigious film events, has witnessed strong Indian participation this year with several actors, filmmakers, and creators attending screenings, brand events, and red-carpet appearances. Alongside Bollywood celebrities, the inclusion of regional cinema personalities such as Ashok and Nivedita Saraf added diversity and cultural richness to India's presence at the global festival.