Aimee Baruah: Representing the North East in Cannes is a matter of great pride for me

Aimee Baruah is set to walk the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival for the fourth time. The National Award-winning filmmaker and actor has showcased the culture of the country through her looks there. Talking about what excites her every year to be a part of the international event, she shared, “It’s the opportunity to witness cinematic brilliance from the finest filmmakers across the globe. There's a certain magic in watching such beautifully crafted films on such a prestigious platform. I look forward to it all year — the energy, the artistry, the celebration of storytelling — it’s truly inspiring and unforgettable.”

Looking back at the first time she visited the festival, Aimee shared, “My mind was always set on showcasing the culture and tradition of North-East India, to show the world how rich our culture is. At that moment, I realised that there is no better place than this to showcase my culture to the world. Because at Cannes, everyone's eyes are on the red carpet, and what someone wears becomes a big topic of discussion.”

Also, the cultural ambassador and the maker of Semkhor (2021), Aimee wants to depict North Eastern culture in Cannes. She shares, “This year too, going to Cannes and representing the North East is a matter of great pride for me. It’s not just about attending a global event — it’s about taking a piece of our identity, our stories, and our culture to the world stage. As always, I’ve planned something meaningful with my look — something that speaks of who I am and where I come from. I feel happy that every year, my outfit is praised by everyone who sees it. And at Cannes, where so many big Hollywood stars come, we are just a small presence in comparison. But still, people click my pictures—not because they like me, but because they like my attire. They appreciate my clothes, and people search for it. They come to know about a place in India called North-East, where such attire is worn. That's what I want to showcase to the world, and it makes me really happy.”

Ask Aimee if Bollywood attracts her and her interest in Hindi cinema and she shares, “I haven’t tried to enter Bollywood yet, but yes, if I ever get a good role, I would definitely love to go for it. I love Hindi films. We grew up watching them. I would love to work with Pankaj Tripathi someday. There are also many great directors. And not just films—these days, there are so many amazing movies and series on OTT platforms too. So, I’m definitely looking forward to it.