MUMBAI: As the 78th Cannes Film Festival unfolds at the French Riviera, actor Saanand Verma—best known for his role as Saxenaji in the popular TV show *Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain—shared his take on whether the festival has shifted focus from cinema to red carpet glamour and social media buzz.
Speaking on the evolving nature of Cannes, Saanand said, “Cannes hasn’t lost anything. Its cinematic soul is very much still there. It’s just that it has modernized, and we have to move with the flow.”
The actor acknowledged the increasing presence of influencers at the festival, but sees it as a sign of the times rather than a loss. “These days, even a small event at a tea stall gets hyped on social media and heavily used by influencers—so this is Cannes, a huge platform. Of course influencers are going to be involved,” he added.
Saanand, who has also appeared in films like Chhichhore, Pataakha, Babli Bouncer, and Vijay 69, believes that despite the glitz, the essence of Cannes remains intact. “Yes, there's the red carpet, there's glam, there’s all of that—but at the same time, its core essence has never faded. People still watch and enjoy the films.”
He emphasized that the festival continues to be a space where cinematic excellence is recognized and celebrated. “When someone receives recognition at a platform like Cannes, it’s celebrated on a huge scale. The charm of Cannes is still very much alive, and I believe it will continue to be in the future.”
Concluding his thoughts, Saanand likened Cannes to other timeless institutions in cinema. “Some things just never lose their original magic—like the Oscars or Cannes. These are platforms that maintain their authenticity.”
The Cannes Film Festival began on May 13 and continues to draw global attention with its blend of film premieres, star appearances, and cultural conversations.
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