#KetchupTalks: Ahead of her Cannes 2025 debut, Parul Gulati talks to us about her prep and excitement for the red carpet!

As actress-entrepreneur Parul Gulati gears up for her debut at the 78th Cannes Film Festival 2025, she sat down with us to share some deets on what to expect and more.

The world has its eyes on the French Riviera, as the Cannes Film Festival, one of the most prestigious events celebrating art and culture, returns. With an exciting time for India, with multiple artists set to walk the iconic red carpet, there is a lot that we are looking forward to this year. Actor and entrepreneur Parul Gulati is one of the many who is set to make her debut at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. Known for her compelling screen presence and sharp business acumen, Gulati has steadily carved a distinctive path for herself in both, creative and corporate spheres. 

For Gulati, walking the red carpet at Cannes is not just a personal milestone, but a celebration of every dreamer who dares to defy boundaries. "I’ve always believed that passion has no limits, be it in front of the camera or behind a business. I’m proud to represent India, both as an actor and as a businesswoman, on such an iconic stage.” Adding a beautiful personal touch to this milestone, Parul recalls her earlier visit to the Cannes, "When I was shooting for Made In Heaven in Southern France, visiting the iconic steps of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes was on my wish list. After completing my schedule, I took the opportunity to go there as a tourist. Being a cinema enthusiast, it felt magical even then. To now return and walk the prestigious red carpet as an official invitee of the Cannes Film Festival feels like a full-circle moment, a dream fulfilled."

Also Read - The Cannes countdown: Farhana Bodi on the BTS action before returning to the Riviera!

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As Gulati eagerly waits for her chance at the red carpet, she sat down with us to talk about her excitement, representing India, curating her look and more.

Tell us about the outfit. Was there a creative direction behind your look today? How involved were you in curating it?

The outfit that I'm wearing is something I've built from scratch, along with the help of Mohit Rai, a very talented designer and stylist. I just can't explain how we've built this strand by strand, which also happens to be one of the greatest collaborations I've ever had. I cannot wait for the world to see this piece because it's something I don't think has been done before, or the way we've done it. 

What do you want your audience to feel when they see you here?

A woman who has built an empire from scratch and how she is not just part of the narrative but rewriting it. That's what I want everyone to feel when they look at me on that red carpet.

What does Cannes mean to you beyond the cameras and couture?

Cannes, to me, is a celebration of stories, the kind that move you, shake you and stay with you long after the credits roll. It’s a space where art has no passport. Beyond the glamour, it’s where the world comes together to honour bold voices and timeless narratives. As someone who lives at the intersection of beauty, storytelling and entrepreneurship. Cannes is deeply symbolic, a reminder that dreams, when nurtured, can take you places you never imagined.

How does it feel to represent India at a global event like the Cannes Film Festival?

It’s both humbling and empowering. India has such a rich cinematic and entrepreneurial legacy, and to represent even a fraction of that feels like a privilege. I’m not just showing up for myself, I’m here for every woman building something of her own, for Indian creators breaking boundaries and for the next generation of dreamers who deserve a seat on global platforms.

You’re the face behind Nish Hair. How do you plan to integrate Nish Hair into your Cannes experience?

Hair is my canvas, and Cannes is my gallery. I’ve built Nish Hair with authenticity, one strand at a time, so it only felt natural to bring it with me, quite literally. My Cannes outfit is made of hair, an artistic tribute to everything my brand stands for: transformation, power and reclaiming your beauty on your own terms. Nish Hair is not just a brand; it’s a movement and Cannes is the perfect place to honour that.

Besides the festival, do you have a ‘Malkin-approved’ bucket list for this trip?

Absolutely, The Malkin always has a plan. Besides attending the Indian Pavilion, Nespresso and Magnum parties, I want to immerse myself in global cinema, meet creators from across cultures and maybe steal a quiet croissant moment by the French Riviera. Oh, and practice my French with flair, “La Malkin est ici!”

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Incase you don't know of Parul Gulati, you can follow her journey here.