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Mallika Sherawat Recalls Cannes Debut with Jackie Chan: Bold Look Now Normal

Mallika Sherawat recalled her Cannes debut 20 years ago with Jackie Chan, where her low-cut blouse and ghagra caused a major stir. She noted on Instagram that what was called "too much" back then is now considered normal. Her bold look landed her in Time magazine, compared to Brigitte Bardot. She shared the screen with Jackie Chan in the 2005 film "The Myth."

Key Points: Mallika Sherawat on Cannes Debut with Jackie Chan

  • Mallika Sherawat recalls Cannes debut with Jackie Chan 20 years ago
  • She wore a low-cut blouse and ghagra, causing a media storm
  • Her look was compared to Brigitte Bardot in Time magazine
  • She notes what was considered "too much" in 2000s is now normal in 2020s
2 min read

Mallika Sherawat recalls her Cannes debut with Jackie Chan: They called it too much

Mallika Sherawat recalls her bold Cannes debut 20 years ago with Jackie Chan, saying her low-cut blouse caused a storm but is now considered normal.

"They called it too much. And now ....it's Normal. - Mallika Sherawat"

Mumbai, May 15

As Bollywood beauties like Alia Bhatt are making their presence felt at the Cannes film festival 2026, actress Mallika Sherawat also decided to take a trip down memory lane and recalled her Cannes debut with Jackie Chan.

Around 2 decades back, the 'Murder' actress graced the Cannes red carpet for the first time in a low-cut blouse paired with a ghagra, making a lot of heads turn with her choice of attire.

However, Mallika pointed out that what felt too much back then has become normal today.

Taking to her official Instagram handle, Mallika wrote on her official Instagram handle "My first time at the Cannes Film Festival, with Jackie Chan 20 years ago ! I wore a dangerously low-cut blouse with a ghagra... and it set off a storm! (sic)."

She went on to add, "It made Headlines, even landed me in the Iconic Time magazine being compared to the superstar Brigitte Bardot. For a girl from a small town... it felt unreal. They called it too much. And now ....it's Normal."

Dropping some of her looks from Cannes over the years on the photo-sharing app, Mallika also shared the comment, "2000s: too much /2020s: iconic - same woman. What changed? (sic)".

Refreshing your memory, Mallika shared the screen space with Jackie Chan in the 2005 release, "The Myth".

She was seen essaying the role of Samantha, an Indian peasant girl in the drama.

Made under the direction of Stanley Tong, the martial arts fantasy film chronicles the journey of an archaeologist who dreams of a past life as a general from the Qin dynasty.

Mallika made her debut in 2002 with "Jeena Sirf Merre Liye".

She rose to fame after her bold performance in "Murder" in 2004, alongside Emraan Hashmi.

Some of her noteworthy movies include "Khwahish", "Bachke Rehna Re Baba", "Pyaar Ke Side Effects", "Aap Ka Suroor - The Real Love Story", "Welcome", and "Kis Kis Ki Kismat".

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Honestly, it's both progress and a bit sad. We now accept bold fashion, but we're still a conservative society in many ways. Mallika did pave the path for actresses like Alia Bhatt to walk comfortably at Cannes today. Without her breaking that glass ceiling, it might have taken longer for Bollywood to be taken seriously globally. Respect to her journey from small-town girl to international fame! 👏
K
Kavya N
I remember when that photo of her and Jackie Chan went viral in magazines! 😂 The bindi on forehead, ghagra, and that blouse—it was a cultural fusion that confused many. But she was right—today it's normal to see actresses in similar outfits. The double standards are funny though: when a Hollywood star wears revealing clothes, it's 'fashion', but when an Indian actress does it, it's 'too much'. Glad times changed! 🎉
A
Ananya R
Mallika Sherawat's confidence is something else! 😎 She was called 'controversial' for simply wearing what she wanted. Now everyone copies that look. But let's also remember her acting—'Murder' was a game-changer for bold content in Bollywood. And working with Jackie Chan in 'The Myth'? That's not just luck, that's talent being recognized internationally. She deserves more credit than she gets! ✨
R
Ravi K
Honestly, I think Mallika overestimates her impact. She was known more for boldness than acting talent. The comparison with Brigitte Bardot is a stretch—Bardot was a global style icon for decades, not just for one red carpet look. Also, the 'small town girl' narrative gets old. People from small towns don't have to dress provocatively to make it big. But I respect her hustle and longevity in the industry. 🤷

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