Cannes (TheTrendingPeople): Every year at the Cannes Film Festival, the red carpet becomes a stage not just for cinema, but for statements — of style, culture, and sometimes politics. In 2025, Ruchi Gujjar, an emerging Indian model and actor, made a debut that stood out not merely for fashion but for symbolism.
While many were expecting glamour, few were prepared for a bold necklace featuring pendants of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s face — worn unapologetically and proudly by Gujjar at the prestigious Chopard “Caroline’s Universe” Dinner. The look, instantly viral across global fashion circuits and social media platforms, has sparked both admiration and debate.
More Than a Necklace: A Political Fashion Statement
Speaking to News18, Ruchi Gujjar explained her striking choice:
“The necklace is more than jewellery—it’s a symbol of strength, vision, and India’s rise on the world stage. By wearing it at Cannes, I wanted to honour our Prime Minister, whose leadership has taken India to new heights.”
Her words have found resonance with many across India, especially among younger audiences who see fashion as a form of expression and soft diplomacy. Others, however, are questioning whether politics belongs on the red carpet at an international festival of art.
The Look: Regal Rajasthan Meets Global Runway
The ensemble that accompanied the necklace was equally commanding. Designed by Roopa Sharmaa, Ruchi’s deep gold lehenga was a tribute to Rajasthani craftsmanship, with Gota Patti, mirror work, and intricate hand embroidery. Her Bandhani dupatta, designed by Ram of Zaribari, was adorned with rich Zardozi embellishments, adding royal depth to the look.
“Wearing this dupatta felt like I was draping the soul of Rajasthan,” Ruchi told TheTrendingPeople.com.
Her Cannes appearance wasn’t just a fashion moment—it was a cultural export, carefully curated to introduce global audiences to Indian heritage and regional identity.
Who Is Ruchi Gujjar?
The 25-year-old from Rajasthan is more than just a viral sensation. A graduate of Maharani College in Jaipur and former Miss Haryana 2023, Ruchi has carved a name for herself in India’s entertainment scene. She is known for her roles in popular music videos like “Jab Tu Meri Na Rahi” and “Heli Mein Chor.”
But her journey is defined not just by lights and lenses, but by resistance and resilience.
“Since I belong to a Gujjar family, there, women are not allowed to work as I am working,” she told BollywoodMDB.
“It was difficult to change how people think about women working in Bollywood. I want to be an inspiration... I am the only one from my community who has come so far in the Bollywood industry.”
Fashion, Identity, and the New India
Ruchi’s Cannes debut underscores how fashion and identity are converging in a new, assertive India — especially among youth and regional communities striving for recognition on global platforms.
Her decision to wear a necklace with Modi's image might have raised eyebrows, but it also underscores a rising trend where national pride and personal inspiration become part of the public image.
In a landscape where luxury and symbolism often collide, Ruchi Gujjar has made a bold choice. Whether seen as a tribute, a provocation, or both, her look at Cannes is already being discussed as one of the most talked-about fashion moments of the year.
Final Word: A Statement Beyond Style
With a lehenga that spoke of heritage and a necklace that sparked headlines, Ruchi Gujjar’s Cannes 2025 moment wasn’t just about glamour — it was about voice, values, and visibility. From the deserts of Rajasthan to the red carpet of Cannes, she brought with her not just fashion, but a fierce sense of purpose.
As India increasingly asserts its presence on the global stage, figures like Ruchi Gujjar show that even accessories can become instruments of narrative power.
