Bollywood actress Ruchi Gujjar turned her appearance at the 79th Cannes Film Festival into a statement of social activism on 20 May 2025, calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take decisive action against the Ghunghat Pratha — the tradition of women covering their faces with a veil — still widely practised in rural pockets of India. The Rajasthan-born actress used one of the world's most-watched cultural stages to bridge heritage and advocacy in a single, striking appearance.

The Red Carpet Statement

Ruchi Gujjar walked the Cannes red carpet in a traditional Rajasthani-inspired ensemble complete with intricate embroidery, heavy jewellery, and a dramatic ghunghat veil — deliberately evoking the very custom she was protesting. The outfit merged cultural heritage with pointed activism, drawing immediate attention from attendees and observers online. She also carried the BJP's symbolic lotus flower during her appearance, which she said represented her conviction that strong leadership and social awareness are prerequisites for meaningful change.

What Ruchi Gujjar Said

Speaking at the festival, Gujjar stated: 'Ghunghat should never become a woman's identity. Women deserve equal freedom, respect, and opportunities in society. I believe Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji has always taken bold decisions for the country, and I hope steps will also be taken to create awareness against forced Ghunghat Pratha.'

Her remarks reflect a growing strand of advocacy among artists from Rajasthan and other states where the practice remains entrenched, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities. Gujjar has previously spoken on women's issues linked to rural traditions, and the Cannes platform amplified that message to a global audience.

Social Media Response

Her Cannes appearance drew widespread attention on social media, with users describing it as bold and socially impactful. Many praised her for using a high-profile international platform to spotlight a domestic social issue rather than limiting the moment to fashion or film promotion. The juxtaposition of a global film festival setting and a hyper-local Indian tradition resonated with audiences both in India and abroad.

Broader Context

The Ghunghat Pratha has long been a subject of debate among women's rights groups, sociologists, and policymakers in India. Critics argue that while the veil can be a voluntary cultural expression, in many rural contexts it is imposed on women, restricting their mobility, visibility, and participation in public life. This is not the first time a public figure has raised the issue at an international forum, but the Cannes setting — and the deliberate use of BJP symbolism alongside the call to action — gave Gujjar's intervention a distinctive political edge.

As the conversation around women's freedom and rural reform continues in India, Gujjar's Cannes moment is likely to keep the Ghunghat debate in public discourse in the weeks ahead.