Mumbai: The 77th Cannes Film Festival has been a hub of glamour and high fashion, with celebrities showcasing stunning looks on the red carpet. Among the many standout appearances, actress Kani Kusruti made a particularly bold and memorable statement by carrying a watermelon clutch, a gesture symbolising her support for Palestine.
Watermelon clutch- significance
Kani Kusruti, who gained acclaim for her performance in Payal Kapadia’s ‘All We Imagine As Light,’ used her red-carpet appearance to make a significant political statement. All We Imagine as Light won the Grand Prix, the second-highest award at the Cannes Film Festival, on Saturday night. The watermelon clutch she carried was not just a fashion accessory; it was a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian people. The choice of this fruit is particularly poignant because the colours of a watermelon—red, green, and black seeds—mirror those of the Palestinian flag, making it a subtle yet powerful symbol of support.
Watch the making of this remarkable and symbolic watermelon clutch:
Her gesture quickly went viral, garnering widespread praise on social media. Users applauded Kani for using her platform to raise awareness about the Palestinian cause, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict and calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. The internet lit up with discussions about her accessory, with many praising her for combining fashion with activism.
Kani’s statement did not go unnoticed by her peers. Several notable celebrities, including Parvathy Thiruvothu, Darshana Rajendran, Roshan Mathew, and Radhika Apte, expressed their admiration for her bold move. They commended her for taking a stand and bringing attention to a critical issue on one of the world’s most prestigious stages.
‘All We Imagine As Light’
Kani Kusruti’s appearance was also significant because it coincided with a historic moment for Indian cinema. ‘All We Imagine As Light,’ directed by Payal Kapadia and starring Kani, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam, and Hridhu Haroon, was the first Indian film in 30 years to compete for the Palme d’Or at Cannes. The film’s presence at the festival marked a milestone, and Kani’s watermelon clutch added a layer of meaningful activism to this achievement.
‘All We Imagine As Light’ made history as the first ever by an Indian female director, to be featured in the main competition. Following its screening, the film became a frontrunner for the top prize, receiving an eight-minute standing ovation and widespread praise from critics worldwide.
Impact of watermelon clutch
The impact of Kani’s gesture extended beyond the red carpet. It highlighted how fashion can be a powerful tool for political expression and social activism. By choosing to carry a watermelon clutch, Kani used her visibility to make a statement about peace and solidarity, prompting conversations about the situation in Gaza and the broader context of the Palestinian struggle.
Kani Kusruti’s white dress look- decoded
Kani Kusruti in a white dress carrying a watermelon clutch with a huge smile along with All We Imagine As Light’s director, Payal Kapadia (Getty Images)
Kani Kusruti’s sophisticated appearance exuded elegance and grace as she shone on the red carpet. She wore a captivating white outfit featuring a deep v-neckline, puffed sleeves, a bodycon fit that perfectly accentuated her figure, and a knee-length hemline. She kept her accessories chic, opting for oversized hoop earrings with multiple jhumkas for a traditional flair. Her look was completed with her now-famous watercolour bag in shades of red and green, along with a quirky silver bracelet on her wrist.
Her glamorous makeup included shimmering eyeshadow, winged eyeliner, mascara-coated lashes, well-defined brows, blushed cheeks, a radiant highlighter, and glossy pink lipstick. She finished her stunning red carpet ensemble with her luscious locks styled in a sleek centre-parted bun.
Kani Kusruti’s other Cannes looks: From colourful green and pink saree to a floral blazer dress
For another look at the Cannes, Kani opted for a green saree with pink horizontal stripes for a glamorous look. She paired it with a strip-backless blouse with a back knot. She tied her hair in a bun, leaving a strand of hair at one side. She wore hoop earrings and went for minimal makeup.
She also chose a floral blazer dress for an event at Cannes. She paired her outfit with white earrings and shoes. She kept her wavy hair open with a centre parting.
No paid promotions
Besides, the actress has mentioned in her Instagram bio, “I will not do any paid partnership ad through my page. Thank you, ” signifying further her thoughtful gestures.
Who is Kani Kusruti?
Kani Kusruti, born Kani Kusruti K., is an actress from Kerala. Her parents chose to drop their last names to eliminate the social hierarchy associated with surnames in India. At the age of 15, Kani created her last name ‘Kusruti’ (meaning “mischievous” in Malayalam) to fulfil a requirement for her class 10th exam application.
She made her debut in the Malayalam film industry with the 2009 movie Brahmaram. However, it was her role in the 2019 film Biriyaani that garnered her significant attention and critical acclaim.
Kani is admired for her unconventional choice of roles and her ability to infuse depth and authenticity into her characters. She is regarded as a refreshing presence in the Indian film industry, breaking stereotypes and exploring diverse narratives. Beyond her acting skills, Kani is known for her outspoken views on social and political issues, using her platform to advocate for various causes and raise awareness about important societal concerns.
At Cannes 2024, Kani Kusruti captivated audiences with her thoughtful fashion moments. From carrying a symbolic watermelon clutch in support of Palestine to donning an elegant saree, Kusruti seamlessly blended style with meaningful statements, leaving a lasting impression on the red carpet. Fashion Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
