The cacophony of shutterbugs , red carpet in full bloom and an eclectic mix of celebrities coming together from all walks of cinema is what makes the Cannes Festival a spectacular visual delight every year. And there amidst fashion doyens and cinema aficionados, was Vishakha Singh — young, bright and vivacious, visiting Cannes for the fourth time. This year around however, it wasn’t just about the glitz and glamour for this actor. Her involvement with the Producers’ Workshop was her key focus.
“I attended the Producers’ Workshop from May 14 to 17, and this is the ideal learning environment for new and less experienced producers like me,” says Vishakha. “It was aimed at specific training, lectures and interactions amongst a whole lot of professionals from all across the world. I learnt from the best of producers from Germany, France and London and in return, talked about my experiences with Bollywood.” Vishakha feels that this year the festival has gotten classier. “Over the last 67 years, Cannes has only gotten better. It is a colourful potpourri of world cinema, bringing together every single element that cinema stands for.” She feels a few things have changed since she first attended the do in 2010. “I know my way around now and can navigate around the Marche Du Film and the Palaise grounds. However, the Cannes festival is about strengthening my network with the professionals in the international film industry,” she smiles.
When it came to representing India at the Cannes, she believes that Shekhar Kapur was the one who put India on the map of global cinema. “And that was decades ago. And then Anurag Kashyap popularised it. Every year, we witness a film or two from India. Udaan , Gangs of Wasseypur , Monsoon Shootout , Miss Lovely , Lunchbox , Peddlers and now this year Titli . And not to forget, this year’s opening film Grace De Monaco has an Indian co-producer.”
Quiz Vishakha on having any fan girl moments at Cannes and she laughs, “It takes a lot for me to swoon over someone. I was busy running from one class to another. And I couldn’t find the time to attend the parties that I was invited to. But I did manage to have lunch at the Carlton and spotted Tommy Lee Jones.” However, Vishakha’s true fan girl moment came when she was at the Indian pavilion and she spotted Kamal Haasan. “I was so awestruck that I couldn’t bring myself to approach him even though he was just seven feet away from me.”
What about her personal style at Cannes? Comfort and elegance are her priority. “My stylist, Khushnaz Turner helped me pick my looks. I chose a black Anarkali gown by Shrutri Sancheti for the inauguration of the Indian Pavilion at Cannes. It was subtle, chic and so Indian.” Another look she sported was a beige and black sari gown with a peplum waist by Riddhi and Siddhi Mapxencar, which symbolised global fusion, a theme that aptly suited the festival. She sported her most glamorous look for the screening of the Argentinian film, Wild Tales . Vishakha wore a white bling off-shoulder gown by Komal Sood with minimal make up. “That’s when people thought I was Salma Hayek. This usually happens to me a lot when I am in the UK. Now all I need is her billion dollar smile.” For the red carpet of Robert Pattinson’s Rover , Vishakha flaunted a Payal Singhal soft English rose-coloured lehenga and a cropped black top, with a long trail. “The beauty of this outfit lies in the linen, teamed with gorgeous Kundan jewellery.” Being the cynosure of all eyes at a globally known event can be an overwhelming experience for some. For Vishakha, it was about living in the moment.
