Sharmila Tagore , who has been to the Cannes Film Festival many times in her illustrious film career, will be at the French Riviera this year for the world premiere of Satyajit Ray ’s restored classic Aranyer Din Ratri (1970) featuring her. Accompanying her will be her daughter, Saba. The veteran actress talks about what makes the Cannes Film Festival so special, her cherished experiences as a film enthusiast and her thoughts on one of the festival’s most talked-about aspects beyond cinema — fashion.
You have been to the Cannes Film Festival many times over the years. You featured in Devi, Satyajit Ray’s film that was nominated for the Palme d'Or in 1962 and were also a part of the Cannes jury in 2009. This year, you will attend the world premiere of Ray’s restored classic Aranyer Din Ratri (1970). How special does this moment feel?
Yes, I've been to Cannes many times, and I was also on their jury. As a jury member, they take good care of you, and you are made to feel special. I've spent a lot of time there watching beautiful films and interesting films from all over the world. This is world cinema at its finest. My film Aranyer Din Ratri, which was released in 1970, was restored after a long time. Experiencing it on the big screen at Cannes will be fascinating. Recently, the Bengali film Nayak (1966) was also re-released. It was so beautiful to see it on the big screen, instead of seeing it on a small screen or watching a non-restored version. When you see a restored print on a big screen, it's like seeing it for the first time. That’s the main attraction for me this year at Cannes. That apart, Cannes visit is special on its own because it's a big congregation of film people from all over the world. You get to see wonderful, cutting-edge world cinema. It's wonderful for cine lovers to go to the city and have their fill of cinema. People who love cinema go to Cannes. There is a bazaar where people buy and sell films. Some people just come for the buzz, ambience and atmosphere. A lot of things happen there. People have yachts, there are yacht parties, and parties galore every night. So, it's a very buzzing place right now.
This year, the festival has announced a dress code which states - no nudity and no voluminous gowns. Years ago, they had no flats (footwear) rule for women, which has changed now. The new rule says, ‘Guests can wear elegant shoes and sandals with or without a heel’. What are your views on this?
Actresses over the years have been wearing what they want to. I am not aware of any dress code. Yes, I remember the men were expected to wear black. Cannes is a place where people celebrate. It's a gorgeous seaside destination, so people like dressing up. There’s nothing wrong with it. Everybody celebrates in their own way. I will most certainly wear a sari and flats. I wore a sari when I was part of the jury, and every time I've been there. I feel people should dress up the way they want.
What is your opinion of the overall Indian representation at Cannes?
Chetan Anand’s Neecha Nagar in 1946 was the first Indian film to win the Grand Prix du Festival International du Film (the precursor to the Palme d'Or), the festival’s highest honour. All We Imagine As Light, directed by Payal Kapadia , made history last year at the festival by winning the prestigious Grand Prix Award. Indian representation has always been there. My film Devi was nominated in 1962 for Palme d'Or. There is an Indian pavilion as well. A lot of people showcase Indian films there. Our films have been recognised there, and Cannes gives them a wider platform.
Cannes is known for its stars, glamour and fashion quotient. Do you remember any iconic looks or fashion statements from the Cannes Film Festival?
Once upon a time, there were Brigitte Bardot and Gina Lollobrigida , who were known for wearing exotic clothes at Cannes. After them, there hasn’t been a striking point. Now everybody dresses well. Last year, I loved Meryl Streep 's white dress. It was so simple and elegant.
