After Turning Heads at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, Jaipur’s Ruchi Gurjar Returns Home With a Powerful Message on Women’s Safety and Freedom

Ananya soch: Bollywood actress Ruchi Gurjar, who grabbed international attention at the 79th Cannes Film Festival with her striking traditional appearance, returned to Jaipur on Thursday and made headlines once again — this time for her bold remarks on the age-old ‘ghoonghat’ tradition and women’s safety.

Speaking to the media, Ruchi raised a question that instantly sparked discussion: “Are women truly safe even after living behind a veil?” She said the real issue today is women’s safety, which has become a matter of concern despite centuries-old traditions meant to ‘protect’ women.

“My Cannes Look Was Not Fashion, It Was a Social Statement”

Ruchi revealed that her Cannes appearance was carefully designed to send a strong social message against the veil system still prevalent in many parts of rural India. Belonging to a rural background in Rajasthan, she said she has personally witnessed women being forced into the practice for generations.

“I do not connect the veil with any caste or community. Every woman has the right to step out of every form of restriction,” she said. Ruchi also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate conversations and reforms that encourage equality, dignity and freedom for women in society.

Golden-Silver Outfit Became the Center of Attention at Cannes

At the Cannes red carpet, Ruchi wore a specially crafted outfit designed by “Jashn by Harshika Ranawat,” made with gold and silver threadwork. Her traditional Rajasthani attire, paired with a symbolic veil and the lotus emblem associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party, became one of the most talked-about looks at the festival.

However, Ruchi stressed that tradition alone cannot guarantee safety. “When even a three-year-old girl and elderly women are unsafe today, we must question whether the original purpose of the veil still exists,” she said.