Why watching Bollywood divas at Cannes won't be fun this time round

So the Festival De Cannes has officially banned clicking selfies at the red carpet and that’s no good news for the Bollywood beauties gearing up to rock the festival in the coming time. Selfies, as we have realised, has emerged as the biggest index to rate the popularity-quotient of the celebrities. It is as much the lifeline of the star-struck people, who thrive on the minute-by-minute details about the glamour divas. Ironically, for most Indians, Cannes has largely been about Bollywood actresses striking dramatic poses in designer labels at the red carpet.

The number of selfies clicked by the awestruck crowd thronging at red carpet vis-a-vis the number of likes and retweets, is an indicator of the actresses' star power. Bollywood, however, would like to believe that the attention from the star-struck audience is a pointer to the increasing popularity of Indian films at the international level.

"You never look as ugly as you do in a selfie," said Thierry Fremaux, Cannes Film Festival director, adding that selfies were "ridiculous and grotesque". The rule is aimed at reducing foot traffic, prevent unnecessary clogging and delay in schedules that were believed to be caused when celebrities stop to smile and pose for a selfie with the fans.

Loreal Paris ambassadors Sonam Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will be joined by Katrina Kaif in walking the red carpet this year. Wonder if Katrina's popularity at Cannes will be elevated following the revelation by Ranbir Kapoor of their wedding plan. Taking a cue from Reese Witherspoon’s Oscar dictum #Ask Me More (and not just about the designer wear), Sonam can talk about her forthcoming biopic on slain air hostess Neerja Bhanot and Aishwarya can discuss her comeback vehicle Jazbaa. In any case, the buzz would underline who stole the thunder in terms of razzmatazz.

The selfie ban has spread jitters among Twitter and Instagram followers who hate to miss a fraction of a second to upload their memorable selfie moments. They’d be worried about the fact that they will be shooed away after a serious warning by the security guards. The Bollywood beauties will possibly post the selfies clicked at their luxurious suite or by the seaside of the French Reveira to keep the fans engaged.

With no Indian film competing in any category, the country popular for its "passion for cinema" will only contribute by screening a series of small budget, regional and offbeat films, made by less popular filmmakers.

Beyond the stunning faces, some more names will make their presence at the Cannes (and they are not bothered about the selfies). Check it out:

#Richa Chadda: The Un Certain Regard section this year will include Punjabi films Maasan and Chauthi Koot. After Gangs of Wasseypur, Masaan, directed by first-timer Neeraj Ghaywan will be the second film featuring Richa at Cannes. Chauthi Koot (The fourth direction), made by Gurvinder Singh is based on short stories by Waryam Singh Sandhu.

#Vikas Khanna: Indian origin Michelin star chef Vikas Khanna will unveil a 16-kg cookbook that compiles rare cuisines, festivals and rituals of India. Copies signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be distributed to world leaders.

#Nawazuddin Siddiqui: Nawaz’s first production venture, the 18-minute film Miyan Kal Aana, based on Halala Law, directed by his brother Shamas Siddiqui, will be premiered at the short film catalogue festival corner. Nawazuddin will give it a miss owing to the shooting of Bajrangi Bhaijaan.

#Amy Winehouse: Amy, a documentary on the late singer/songwriter Amy Winehouse by Asif Kapadia, will be one of the two midnight screenings. British filmmaker Kapadia is of Indian descent.

#Madhureeta Anand: Madhureeta’s award winning film Kajarya deals with sex selection in India and violence against women. The film, which narrates the journey of two women and miseries meted out to baby girls, will be screened at Cannes.

#Naseeruddin Shah: Judhajit Sarkar’s Goatspeak starring Shah will narrate a comic story of a talking goat preparing itself to get slaughtered and will be at the screening section.

#Children’s films: Odisha-born producer Jitendra Mishra has taken the onus to promote ten meaningful children's films at the festival. The list includes the films Gattu, The World of Goopi and Bagha, Kaphal, and Pappu Ki Pugdanddi.