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Aishwarya Rai Bachchan met French President Francois Hollande for a special lunch in New Delhi. She wore a beautiful red Banarasi silk sari. The meeting happened on Tuesday, January 26.
The Special Lunch with President Hollande
The lunch was held in New Delhi, the capital of India. French Ambassador Francois Richier arranged the meeting. Aishwarya was busy shooting her new film “Sarbjit” but she took time for the lunch. Other guests included Indian designers Ritu Beri and Manish Arora. The French president had just attended the Republic Day parade on Rajpath.
According to a visitor, the conversation moved from movies to Cannes. Hollande even asked Aishwarya to sit with him at his table. The president was described as warm and friendly.
Aishwarya’s Red Banarasi Silk Sari
The sari was made by the designer couple Swati and Sunaina. It comes from the city of Banaras, now called Varanasi. Banaras is famous for hand‑woven silk.
The fabric is fine mulberry silk. It has zari work made from pure silver threads dipped in gold. The design is called “mehraab”. It shows a pattern that looks like a mosque arch. The sari is six yards long, which is the normal length for a Banarasi sari.
The makers used eco‑friendly dyes and a special “kadhuwa” weaving technique. This makes the sari gentle on the environment. A simple bindi and red lipstick finished Aishwarya’s look.
Why the Sari Was a Perfect Choice
The sari is a strong symbol of Indian culture. Wearing it for a meeting with a foreign leader shows pride in Indian heritage. Aishwarya also has a long connection with France. She received the French honor “Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters”. The sari’s rich red colour matches the festive mood of Republic Day.
Choosing a Banarasi sari also highlighted the craft of Indian weavers. The designers wanted to show the world the skill of Banaras artisans. The eco‑friendly dyes added a modern, responsible touch.
Aishwarya’s Career Highlights and French Ties
Aishwarya is a well‑known Bollywood actress. She has acted in movies like “Devdas”, “Dhoom 2”, “Murder Dil De Chuke Sanam” and “Master”. She is also a brand ambassador for L’Oréal Paris. She recently appeared in a L’Oréal ad with Eva Longoria.
She has attended the Cannes Film Festival many times. She also shot scenes for the international film “Pink Panther 2” in Paris. In 2016, she talked about her films and Cannes with President Hollande, as reported by The Indian Express.
Her honor from France, the “Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters”, shows her contribution to cultural exchange between India and France.
How to Choose a Traditional Sari for a Special Event
- Pick the right fabric: Silk is classic for formal events. Mulberry silk feels smooth and looks shiny.
- Look for authentic work: Real Banarasi saris have hand‑woven zari and patterns made by skilled weavers.
- Choose a colour that fits the occasion: Red, gold, or deep green work well for celebrations.
- Check the length: A full sari is about six yards. Make sure you have enough fabric to drape properly.
- Mind the eco‑friendly side: Some designers use natural dyes and traditional techniques like “kadhuwa”.
FAQ
Who is Francois Hollande?
Francois Hollande is a former President of France. He visited India for the Republic Day celebrations and met Aishwarya at the lunch.
What is a Banarasi sari?
A Banarasi sari is a hand‑woven silk garment from Varanasi. It is known for its gold‑colored zari work and rich designs.
What does “Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters” mean?
It is a French award given to people who help spread art and culture. Aishwarya received it for her work in movies and fashion.
How is zari made?
Zari is made from pure silver or gold threads. The metal is drawn into thin wires and then woven into the silk to create shiny patterns.
Conclusion
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s red Banarasi silk sari was more than a fashion choice. It showed Indian tradition, eco‑friendly craft, and her special bond with France. The look was praised by many and will be remembered as a graceful moment in India‑France cultural exchange.
