Rahul Bhat on fashion getting priority at Cannes: I walked the real red carpet

Actor Rahul Bhat, whose films have been officially selected at the Cannes Film Festival twice, has shared his disappointment over how the event seems to have shifted its focus from cinema to style. In a conversation with Brut India, he reflected on how the festival`s essence has changed, and many online seem to agree with him.

Rahul Bhat on focus shifting from films at Cannes

Rahul highlighted that his appearances at Cannes were rooted in the merit of his films. “People come here to take pictures on the red carpet. But I’m proudly saying that I have walked the red carpet. Shouldn’t that be of some value? Instead, I’m having to point out the difference and tell people I was part of official selections.”

He also spoke about the struggle to be recognised for the right reasons, “I walked the red carpet for real, not for fashion. Not for taking pictures, not for PR machinery. I walked the real red carpet. Two of my movies (Ugly, Kennedy) have been (premiered) here. What to do? I am forced to tell this to people, but I don’t know how to blow my own trumpet,” he said.

Rahul Bhat on his Hollywood debut

Indian actor Rahul Bhat has returned to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival for the third time, marking a major career milestone, the announcement of his Hollywood debut, Lost and Found in Kumbh with a teaser launch.

Rahul Bhat shared his thoughts on the project and the experience, “For a change, somebody offered me a dramedy. I’ve always been cast in dark, serious, violent roles. So I thought, let me try something different, something in English. We shot at the end of the Kumbh, but it was still intense—so hot, and so many people. It was tough, but also fascinating. This one’s not meant to be taken too seriously. It’s a cute, engaging film. You could call it a dramedy—or even a children’s film in some ways. As actors, we sometimes forget we’re shooting at a real place. You’re so immersed in the role, it starts to feel like just another set. But it wasn’t. It was the Kumbh. It was real. I’m finally tasting success after decades. My films have always been critically acclaimed, but this is the first time I’m hearing that word—‘hit’—and it feels great.”

This article first appeared on Mid Day