"Every woman's right to step out from behind any form of veil": Ruchi Gujjar opens up about her 'ghoonghat' look at Cannes 2026
Jaipur, May 28
Actor Ruchi Gujjar recently turned heads at the Cannes Film Festival, sparking a conversation with her choice of ensemble. For the festival, Ruchi chose a traditional Rajasthani outfit, which comprised a vibrant pink lehenga with intricate embroidery.
She completed the look with traditional jewellery, bangles, and a dramatic ghoonghat (veil), that kept her face partly covered.
Ruchi Gujjar, who has now returned back to India, addressed the media in Jaipur and explained the significance of her look.
During the interaction, Ruchi explained that her attire at Cannes was intended to convey a powerful social message. She utilised the international platform to raise her voice against the 'ghoonghat' tradition, a practice that remains prevalent in rural India to this day.
"I hail from the rural region of Rajasthan, and I have witnessed women there being compelled to maintain the ghoonghat," she stated.
"I do not associate the ghoonghat with any specific social class or caste; it is every woman's right to step out from behind any form of veil. While other nations have imposed bans on such veiling practices, I appeal to our Prime Minister Narendra Modi to put an end to the ghoonghat tradition in our country as well. Women deserve the right to equality, dignity, and the freedom to live uninhibitedly within society," she added.
Commenting on her attire, Ruchi shared, "While the ghoonghat is regarded as a symbol of dignity and tradition, women require safety and security alongside that dignity. Today, newspapers and social media platforms are inundated with reports of violence against women and sexual assault. Does this imply that the veil must now be worn by everyone--from a three-year-old child to an elderly woman--simply for the sake of self-protection? The very purpose for which the veil was originally intended has effectively ceased to exist."
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the intent, let's not mix up cultural tradition with a ban. Ghoonghat is a choice in many communities. The real issue is women being forced, not the ghoonghat itself. We need education, not blanket bans.
Ruchi is absolutely right! I've seen how my grandmother had to cover her face even in front of her own sons. It's not about respect, it's about control. Time to free our women from these chains! 🙌
Interesting perspective from an Indian actor. As an outsider looking in, it seems like a brave stand. But is banning the best approach? Perhaps empowering women to make their own choices would be more sustainable.
She said "every woman's right to step out" - that's the key line. Not forcing anyone to remove, but giving choice. In my village, I've seen girls drop out of school because of this practice. We need change from within our culture. Well said, Ruchi ji! 👏
I'm all for women's rights, but using an international platform to call for a ban on a cultural practice feels a bit heavy-handed. Traditions evolve, but imposing bans often creates resistance. A more nuanced conversation might help more.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.