For Hyderabad-based Priyanka Chigurupati, walking the red carpet at Cannes was never simply about fashion. “Honestly, it felt less like a ‘fashion moment’ and more like a cultural moment for me,” she says. “Personally, it was surreal because I grew up in a very traditional Indian business environment where spaces like Cannes felt worlds away.”
As Executive Director of Granules India, Priyanka comes from a world shaped by business and leadership. But beyond boardrooms, she is also recognised for her appreciation of fashion, design, creativity, and contemporary Indian craftsmanship. Professionally, Cannes became an opportunity, she says, “To represent a newer generation of Indian business leaders, people who can exist across industries, conversations, and cultures without being boxed into one identity.”
“I went there as myself,” she adds, “someone from business who appreciates creativity, storytelling, and global culture.”
Making her debut at the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, Priyanka embraced a distinctly modern Indian aesthetic. She wore a custom sculpted saree by Ekaya Banaras paired with bespoke jewellery by Kavya Potluri Jewellery. “I wanted the look to feel unapologetically Indian, but interpreted in a very modern way, like the modern Indian woman,” she says.
What drew her to both designers was their understanding of contemporary femininity. “There’s tradition in their work, but it never feels costume-y or overly ceremonial,” Priyanka explains.
“The saree still carried the soul of Indian craftsmanship, but the structure, styling, and silhouette felt contemporary and global.”
Even the jewellery reflected that same balance. “It felt rooted in Indian aesthetics but wearable in completely different settings, whether with couture or even jeans,” she says.
Her invitation to Cannes, she reveals, came through “a mix of relationships, conversations, and being in the right ecosystem at the right time.” Priyanka attended a soirée and a movie premiere, while also observing how Cannes itself has evolved over the years.
“Cannes today isn’t just film anymore,” she says. “It’s become a global intersection of media, luxury, business, entrepreneurship, and influence.”
The entrepreneur also addressed the growing perception around Cannes accessibility in the age of social media. “People love saying you can just ‘pay and walk,’ and honestly, if someone thinks that, I’d love for them to try it,” she says.
While acknowledging that there are legitimate ways to attend through partnerships, hospitality, media, and brand collaborations, Priyanka believes the reality is still far more layered than people imagine. “Access still comes through the right invitations, relationships, and networks,” she says.
And beyond the glamour of the red carpet, she believes the real significance of Cannes lies elsewhere. “Once you’re there, the carpet is probably the least interesting part,” she says. “The real value is in the rooms and conversations behind it.”
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: deccanchronicle.com
