Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore captivated audiences at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, gracing the red carpet in a regal emerald green silk saree adorned with a gold zari border. Her appearance was in honour of the 4K restored screening of Satyajit Ray’s 1970 classic Aranyer Din Ratri (Days and Nights in the Forest), showcased under the Cannes Classics section.
Joining Tagore was co-star Simi Garewal, who looked elegant in her signature white ensemble. The screening was introduced by acclaimed filmmaker Wes Anderson, a longtime admirer of Ray’s work. The event culminated in a standing ovation, underscoring the film's enduring impact.
Sharing visuals of the special evening at Cannes, Sharmila Tagore's daughter Saba Ali Khan, who also accompanied the cast to the screening, wrote on Instagram: “A little more ....of moments. Standing ovation. A beautiful celebration of life. Team that made it all possible. Congratulations!”
Aranyer Din Ratri is a seminal work in Ray's filmography, exploring themes of urban alienation and self-discovery. The film follows four city men who retreat to the forests of Palamau, encountering characters that challenge their perceptions and societal norms. Tagore's portrayal of Aparna, a sophisticated and introspective woman, adds depth to the narrative, exemplifying Ray's nuanced character development.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Tagore reminisced about the challenging shoot in the Betla forest during the hot summer and recalled staying in a modest "chaukidaar's room" while filming.
"I had the chowkidar’s room and I had a water cooler. In dry weather, it worked very well. These guys were in a shed with with tin roof. So they would all joke about themselves and say ‘I am Rabi roast', Subhendu would say 'I am sauteed Subhendu’ because it used to be so hot. You cannot imagine how hot it was. We could only work from 5:30 AM to 9:00 AM and then again from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Rest of the time, we just bonded and became good friends," she recalled.
Tagore explained that Ray wanted to shoot during the hot summer because the trees were leafless.
"He wanted a particular look and it was only possible in May because then the rains came soon after, and before that, it was all leafy and lush," she said, highlighting the Ray's dedication in bringing his vision to life.
Satyajit Ray's contributions to cinema are monumental, with his works like The Apu Trilogy and Charulata earning international acclaim. The restoration and screening of Aranyer Din Ratri at Cannes serve as a testament to his lasting legacy and the global appreciation of his artistry.
The presence of Tagore and Garewal at Cannes not only celebrated a cinematic masterpiece but also highlighted the timeless elegance and cultural richness of Indian cinema on the world stage.