The 78th Cannes Film Festival witnessed a delightful moment as veteran actresses Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal graced the red carpet for the screening of Satyajit Ray's restored classic, "Aranyer Din Ratri" (Days and Nights in the Forest). The event was particularly special as it marked Simi Garewal's Cannes debut at the age of 77, while Sharmila Tagore, at 80, continues to captivate with her timeless elegance.
Sharmila Tagore, known for her iconic roles in Indian cinema, chose a bottle green saree with a golden border for the occasion. She complemented her traditional attire with a golden clutch, exuding grace and poise. Her daughter, Saba Pataudi, a jewellery designer, accompanied her, dressed in an all-yellow ethnic ensemble.
Simi Garewal, renowned for her talk show "Rendezvous With Simi Garewal," made her Cannes debut in a dreamy ivory gown by Karleo. She completed her look with statement jewellery, radiating elegance as she walked the red carpet. Garewal, known for her signature white outfits, looked radiant. She announced her collaboration with Karleo for her Cannes ensemble on Instagram, expressing her admiration for their aesthetics.
The screening of "Aranyer Din Ratri," a 1970 Bengali film, was presented by American filmmaker Wes Anderson, a long-time admirer of Satyajit Ray. Anderson spearheaded the six-year-long restoration project of the film. He shared his admiration for Ray's work, describing "Aranyer Din Ratri" as a "special gem" and a "masterpiece." He highlighted the film's modern and novelistic approach, its exploration of class and gender dynamics, and the performances of Soumitra Chatterjee and Sharmila Tagore.
"Aranyer Din Ratri" explores themes of alienation, class, and modernity. The film follows four city-bred men who escape to the forests of Palamau for a carefree holiday, leading them on a journey of self-discovery. Based on the novel by Sunil Gangopadhyay, the film also features Soumitra Chatterjee, Subhendu Chatterjee, Samit Bhanja, Robi Ghosh, and Aparna Sen.
The restoration of "Aranyer Din Ratri" was a collaborative effort between The Film Foundation's World Cinema Project, Film Heritage Foundation, Janus Films, and The Criterion Collection, with funding from the Golden Globe Foundation. The film's screening at Cannes marks a significant moment for Indian cinema, highlighting the importance of preserving and celebrating classic films. The event was attended by producer Purnima Dutta, Margaret Bodde, executive director of The Film Foundation, and Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, founder of Film Heritage Foundation.
The presence of Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal at Cannes 2025 not only celebrated their illustrious careers but also showcased India's cinematic and cultural legacy on a global stage. Their graceful appearance and elegant attire captivated audiences and added a touch of timeless beauty to the prestigious film festival.
