"Honestly, I was just trying to stay present in the moment," says Sejal Kumar, spilling the tea on the untold story behind her picture-perfect Cannes moment.
This year, we saw numerous Indian content creators make their mark at the Cannes Film Festival, and among them was Sejal Kumar, who made an exciting and much-anticipated debut. Draped in a beautiful blue saree with regal, modern embellishments, she proudly represented Indian culture on a global stage. While audiences love seeing familiar faces shine at international platforms like Cannes, very few really understand the amount of effort, planning, and perseverance it takes to make such moments happen.
In a candid chat with us, Sejal opened up about the entire process she went through. From finally landing the opportunity, figuring out the challenges of getting brand sponsorships, finalizing her look, and handling the hectic demands of content creation in real-time, she walks us through it all. She also commented on the growing presence of content creators in spaces once reserved solely for mainstream celebrities and what it means to her journey. We learned how this debut wasn’t just a career milestone for Sejal, but also an emotionally fulfilling, creatively exhausting, and ultimately unforgettable experience.
Also Read: Creators at Cannes 2025: Self-made designs, stunning debut, and more!
Here is what she shared:
What was going through your mind as you walked the red carpet at Cannes?
Honestly, I was just trying to stay present in the moment. I kept reminding myself to look at the cameras, smile, and make sure my pallu wasn’t getting trampled. It’s one of those once in a lifetime moments that pass by quickly, and I didn’t want to let nerves or logistics take that away from me. It felt like a dream, but I told myself, 'You’re here, you’ve made it, live it fully.' There was a sense of disbelief mixed with pride.
This is a huge moment in your journey. How does it feel to be at Cannes, especially coming from a digital content background?
It’s honestly surreal. I started out as a 19-year-old college student making YouTube videos about Sarojini Nagar hauls and singing covers in my bedroom. I remember putting Cannes on my vision board three years ago, thinking, “Maybe one day…” I’ve watched creators from around the world walk carpets, attend film festivals, and thought how incredible it would be to be part of something like that. And now, here I am. It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime things where I just keep thinking about how proud my younger self would be. It’s definitely a milestone and not just professionally, but emotionally too.
How did you conceptualize your Cannes look?
I wore a beautiful blue saree with a long, dramatic embellished pallu by Papa Don’t Preach by Shubhika. The idea was to stay rooted in something that felt Indian and cultural, but still make a statement on an international platform. I was super involved in the process. I knew I wanted to wear a saree, but it had to reflect my style too. We chose a cool-toned shade of blue that would complement my skin tone. The braid, the matching embellishments in the hair, everything came together like a modern take on traditional elegance. I wanted people to look at it and instantly know that I'm Indian, I'm proud, and I belong.
What did it take to make this Cannes appearance happen?
It was not easy, to be honest. My manager, Varsha Jayaraman, and I have been trying to make this happen for the last two years without any agency backing us. The first time we tried, we didn’t get any brand sponsors. The second time, we still didn’t but we kept pushing. This year, it finally came together. But the behind-the-scenes? It was chaos in the best way. We had teams in India and France working on logistics, a videographer, editors, stylists, and so much more. I was up at odd hours editing, posting content, planning my schedule. It’s been overwhelming and exhausting, but also deeply fulfilling. It wasn’t handed to me as I worked for every part of this, and that makes it even more special.
What does it mean to you to represent India and your community on a global stage?
It’s massive. I’ve grown up online, and so has my audience. A lot of the girls who watch my content have seen me through different phases like the awkward college Sejal, traveling Sejal, musician Sejal. To be able to show up in a space like Cannes and represent not just India, but this entire creator ecosystem that didn’t exist a decade ago and it’s powerful. I’ve had people DM me saying they feel seen, or that it’s inspired them to chase their own goals. That’s what makes it meaningful. I’ve been open about my highs and lows, and if this moment can show someone that dreams really do manifest with time, that’s everything.
How do you see the role of creators evolving in spaces like Cannes?
I think creators are finally getting the seat at the table they’ve earned. We’ve built communities, connected with people in real and intimate ways, and now we’re stepping into fashion, music, cinema. I look at someone like Emma Chamberlain at the Met Gala and feel proudb as if someone I personally know has made it. Similarly, when Indian creators make it to Cannes or other global spaces, it’s a win for all of us. These aren’t just “influencers” anymore. We’re storytellers, artists, and voices of a generation. And seeing that be recognized on such platforms feels like validation, not just personally but for the whole industry.
Did this experience live up to your expectations?
More than I imagined. I only really wanted that one red carpet moment, and I got it. It lasted five minutes but those five minutes felt like magic. The rest of the trip was filled with content shoots, running between locations, managing uploads, dealing with edits and it was non-stop. But I loved every second. Now that I’m back, it’s about continuing the grind like working on my music, filming one-minute dramas, planning future projects. I don’t want to let this moment become pressure. I just want to keep doing what I love and hope it inspires people in some way.
Do you think Sejal made a mark with her Cannes red carpet debut? Share your thoughts on her looks with us!
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