Amruta Fadnavis, singer, social activist and wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has announced that she will not travel to Cannes Film Festival despite being invited to represent Maharashtra’s cultural heritage at the global event.
Amruta Fadnavis refused to visit Cannes due to austerity appeal
In a statement shared along with the video on social media, Fadnavis said the decision was taken in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for austerity measures and restrictions on international travel. The announcement comes at a time when public officials and government officials are increasingly being called upon to project restraint and prioritize domestic responsibility.
Explaining her decision, Fadnavis wrote: “My first step towards the austerity measures envisioned by Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi ji: putting the nation first.”
She revealed that she was invited to represent Maharashtra, its culture and the state’s handloom traditions at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, one of the world’s most prominent international cinema and cultural events. According to her statement, preparations have already been made for the occasion, including the creation of a traditional Paithani saree from Yeola, created especially for the event by local artisans.
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“I was honored to be invited to represent Maharashtra, its culture and our glorious heritage of handlooms at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. For this special occasion, the exquisite Paithani of Yeola, created with months of dedication from our artisans, was prepared,” she said.
Widely regarded as one of Maharashtra’s most famous textile traditions, the Paithani saree is known for its intricate handwoven patterns and strong cultural associations with the state’s heritage. Located in Nashik district, Yeola has long been recognized as a major center for handicrafts, with artisans often spending several months weaving a single sari.
However, Fadnavis said she ultimately decided not to attend the festival in light of the Prime Minister’s message of austerity and responsible public behaviour.
“However, in light of the Prime Minister’s call to minimize international travel and adopt austerity measures, I have decided to respectfully decline my visit to Cannes,” she said.
Acknowledging the emotional and professional significance of the decision, she highlighted the extensive effort put into the preparations by designers, artisans and supporters.
“It was not an easy decision, considering the love, effort and art invested in this journey. But when the nation calls us, we must always stand behind it with sincerity and conviction,” she added.
Fadnavis also expressed her gratitude to those associated with the project and the planned appearance at Cannes, including the artisans who worked on the set of Paithani.
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“My deepest gratitude to all the artisans, designers and supporters who made this beautiful work possible. The red carpet can wait, the nation always comes first.”
She concluded the statement by saying, “Jai Hind! Jai Maharashtra!”
Fadnavis did not specify whether the invitation was linked to a formal delegation or a cultural representation initiative.
The Cannes Film Festival remains one of the most important global platforms for cinema, fashion and cultural diplomacy, often attended by Indian actors, filmmakers and public figures representing various aspects of the country’s creative industry.
