Indian Stars Shine at Cannes Film Festival 2026 with 'Bombay Stories'
Indian Celebrities at Cannes Film Festival 2026
Indian stars showcased their talent on the international stage at the Cannes Film Festival 2026. The film Bombay Stories, directed by Rahhat Shah Kazmi, made its debut at the festival. The film's cast, including Mouni Roy, Sushmiita Siingh, and Anupria Goenka, graced the red carpet. Upon returning from the festival, Sushmiita shared her thoughts with Zoom regarding the controversies surrounding the event from India's viewpoint. She defended Alia Bhatt against online trolls and urged the public to support those representing India on a global scale, emphasizing the need for empathy towards Alia.
Sushmiita Siingh Stands Up for Alia Bhatt
Sushmiita Siingh defends Alia Bhatt against trolls
In her interview with Zoom, Sushmiita remarked, “We need to show more empathy as it’s challenging to represent your country and Indian cinema at a prestigious event like Cannes. Alia Bhatt showcased herself with elegance, and I believe the media did not overlook her. It’s all about our perceptions, and we tend to dramatize everything.”
She continued, “We should avoid being crabs pulling down our own artists who strive to improve and succeed. It’s easy to criticize, but not everyone can stand on a global platform representing their country’s cinema.”
Sushmiita Siingh on the Role of Content Creators at Cannes
Sushmiita Siingh on Cannes favouring content creators over actors
Sushmiita also discussed whether content creators from India received more attention than traditional actors. “I have no issues with content creators, but Cannes is fundamentally a film festival, and it’s disheartening that it has been somewhat overlooked in recent years. I wish we celebrated cinema and the dedication that goes into making films more. Everyone is welcome, but we must remember that we are here for the art,” she stated.
Exploring 'Bombay Stories'
About Bombay Stories
Bombay Stories draws inspiration from Saadat Hasan Manto's renowned short story Hatak, depicting the lives of sex workers in 1930s Mumbai through a satirical lens. Reflecting on the film's premiere, Sushmiita expressed, “Seeing myself on the grand screen at Cannes, where global cinema is celebrated, was surreal. I had women approach me in tears, sharing how my character touched them. For someone experiencing this for the first time, it’s incomparable. It’s incredibly special when the audience connects with your character and appreciates your work.”
Before her acting career, Sushmiita gained recognition as Miss Teen World 2019 and Miss India 2022. Bombay Stories marks her debut in acting.