Cannes 2025: Janhvi Gets Emotional Remembering Sridevi; Says 'It's Weird Coming Here Without Her'

The recent days have marked a poignant chapter in Janhvi Kapoor's life as she graced the Cannes Film Festival for the very first time, bringing with her not just excitement but a deep sense of nostalgia. Her participation in the prestigious event was linked to the movie "Homebound," which had the honor of being selected in the Un Certain Regard section. This appearance on the international stage was not just a professional milestone for Janhvi but also a moment of emotional reflection, as she navigated the joyous yet bittersweet experience without her late mother, Sridevi, by her side. Sridevi, a legendary figure in Indian cinema, had a special connection with Cannes, making it a favored family holiday spot and a backdrop to many memorable moments. Janhvi's recounting of these shared experiences highlighted how integral her mother was to these celebrations of achievement and togetherness.

During a segment with Vogue's Last Looks, as she prepared for the festival's 78th edition, Janhvi shared her memories of Cannes being a cherished destination for her mother and their family. They had spent several summers there, reveling in the city's beauty and the festival's cinematic splendor. She reminisced about the family's tradition of coming together to celebrate milestones, such as awards or film premieres, with Sridevi at the heart of these gatherings. Janhvi specifically mentioned "English Vinglish," a film that premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, as a significant moment they shared as a family. This return to Cannes, accompanied by her father, Boney Kapoor, and sister, Khushi Kapoor, was tinged with a sense of loss for Janhvi, as she expressed how unusual it felt to be there without her mother's presence. "And especially because she's always taken me for all of her big moments," Janhvi noted, underscoring the depth of her longing.

Janhvi's debut on the Cannes red carpet was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing her fashion sense and her emerging status as a trendsetter in the film industry. On May 20, 2025, she captivated the audience with her elegance, wearing a tissue skirt and corset crafted by designer Tarun Tahiliani. The following day, for the premiere of "Homebound," she chose a backless gown designed by Anamika Khanna, further cementing her place on international fashion radars. The film itself, a collaborative effort featuring talents like Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, boasts a production team comprising notable names such as Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, with Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier serving as co-producers and Martin Scorsese as the executive producer.

Janhvi's venture into the Cannes Film Festival was not just a professional undertaking but a journey filled with personal reflections and a tribute to her mother's legacy. As she stepped into the limelight, her thoughts were with Sridevi, making her emotional declaration, "And I guess it's weird coming back here without her. And especially because she's always taken me for all of her big moments," a poignant reminder of their bond. Her experience at Cannes was a blend of joy for the present and reverence for the past, as she navigated her emerging career while holding onto the memories of her mother's influence and inspiration.