Aishwarya takes 'Raavan' to Cannes

The 36-year-old actress who arrived minus husband Abhishek Bachchan wore a violet tulle and mousseline gown from Elie Saab.

With her hair done up in a pompadour updo, the actress walked the red carpet with fellow L’oreal spokesmodel, American actress Eva Longoria.

Rai is here to promote her Mani Ratnam film Raavan, whose first look will be unveiled on May 17. Her co-stars, including husband Abhishek and Tamil actor Vikram, will attend later in the evening along with the filmmaker.

The bilingual work has been produced by Reliance Big Pictures and is slated for a June release.

The former Miss World has been a permanent Cannes attendee for many years, since her movie Devdas screened at the festival in 2002.

Galaxy of stars

The festival which opened with the premiere of Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood was awash with stars including the epic’s lead pair Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett.

Academy Award winning Mexican actress Salma Hayek,  who was part of the festival jury along with India’s Nandita Das in 2005, was also present.

British actress Kristin Scott Thomas played mistress of the opening ceremony introducing the president of the jury, American director Tim Burton, and the other members of his team, including India’s Shekhar Kapur.

Thomas will also preside over the closing ceremony on May 23, when Burton will announce the prizes.