Ruchi Gujjar Advocates for Freedom at Cannes Film Festival

At the Cannes Film Festival, Ruchi Gujjar made a powerful statement by advocating for freedom from traditional veils while showcasing her unique style. The actress, who has faced controversy over allegations against a producer, continues to inspire women from her conservative background. With a growing social media presence, Ruchi is not just a rising star in the entertainment industry but also a voice for change. Discover more about her journey and the drama that unfolded at the festival.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 20, 2026, 09:02 IST

Cannes Film Festival: A Platform for Expression

The Cannes Film Festival stands as a significant venue for artists to showcase their creativity. From the glamorous red carpet to the film screenings, it provides an open environment for dialogue and leaves a lasting impression. This year, Indian actress Ruchi Gujjar made her mark by walking the red carpet in a traditional Rajasthani attire, aiming to advocate for freedom from ghoonghat (veil), which remains a requirement in many households. Ruchi, who has previously attended the festival, has also made headlines with her unique fashion choices. She has appeared in several independent films.

Introducing Ruchi Gujjar

Who is Ruchi Gujjar?

Ruchi, crowned Miss Haryana 2023, hails from Mehara Gujarwas village in the Khetri tehsil of Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan. After completing her education at Maharani College in Jaipur, she relocated to Mumbai to pursue career opportunities. Coming from a traditional Gujjar family where women were discouraged from working, she has become a role model for women in her community by choosing to enter the entertainment field. Ruchi has featured in music videos like Jab Tu Meri Na Rahi and Heli Mein Cho.

Controversy Surrounding Ruchi Gujjar

Why did Ruchi Gujjar slap producer Karan Singh?

In 2025, Ruchi lodged a complaint against Karan Singh, the producer of the Hindi film So Long Valley, claiming he defrauded her of Rs 23 lakh under the guise of launching a television project. The Oshiwara police took action by registering an FIR against him. According to a police officer, Ruchi alleged that Singh had promised her profit-sharing and on-screen credit, which he failed to deliver after receiving the funds. Furthermore, Ruchi’s lawyer indicated that another FIR would be filed at Amboli police station, accusing Singh of assaulting her. The situation escalated at the film’s premiere when Ruchi confronted Karan, leading to a viral video of the incident on social media.

In response, Man Singh, co-producer and director of So Long Valley, dismissed Ruchi’s allegations as unfounded, labeling it a ‘publicity stunt.’ He previously stated that Ruchi attempted to obstruct the film’s release, but the court ruled in favor of the producers.

Ruchi Gujjar's Previous Cannes Appearance

Ruchi Gujjar's previous Cannes Film Festival appearance

During her last appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, Ruchi garnered attention for her striking outfit, which included a necklace featuring a portrait of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This look quickly went viral, sparking various public reactions. On social media, Ruchi boasts 1.8 million followers and has gained popularity in Haryana and Punjab for her music videos.