Tamannaah Bhatia on her Cannes debut: Walking in high heels and heavy couture clothes for two days straight is not easy -Exclusive! – Times of India

Tamannaah Bhatia made her debut at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, participating in the Indian representation at the Marche du Film and making a splash at the red carpet. Her black gown with a high slit at the Top Gun: Maverick premiere was talked-about, too. ETimes caught up with Tamannaah to record her views and refelctions on her first tryst with the French Riviera. She reveals that it was an absolute honour and pleasure for her to represent India on a global stage. Excerpts…

You made your Cannes red carpet debut this year. How was the experience?

The experience was surreal! It was incredible to be surrounded by the best and most creative minds of world cinema. My appearance at Cannes happened at the last minute but we still made the most of it. I’m happy with the way we pulled it off.

Red carpet outfits are often over the top. Did you face any inconvenience with your outfit? Are actresses given a support crew to help with their outfits before the walk?
Yes, there is always a little bit of pressure because the appearance is going to be viewed internationally. But I had a really good team that was very hands-on and supportive. They were more excited for me than I was for myself, so that really gave me all the encouragement I needed to be able to function at the festival and do my best. There was a lot of walking involved – that too in heels for two days straight. It becomes extra difficult especially in couture and heavy clothes, but the team’s support and the enthusiasm of everyone present, representing India made it easy and possible.

How was your experience with the way the festival was organised, with the logistics and security? Do you see any difference from how such events are organised in India?

While we do have well-planned events in India, Cannes was planned very efficiently. In India, we have a certain amount of organisation. In general, when we have well-planned events in India, they are of the same order.

India was the Country of Honour at Marche du Film this year. Do you think we made the best of that opportunity while representing India and did we create more international avenues for our films?

There was a lot of responsibility to represent our country at the festival, all the more because we were a partner country this year. India definitely created the buzz and there was a very strong Indian presence at Cannes Film Festival this year.

Any lessons that you have taken away from this debut Cannes experience?

While representation matters, it is important to take your role on an international stage like Cannes Film Festival very seriously. It is of utmost importance to represent your country responsibly.