India at Cannes 2024: Indian content creators to make nation proud this year

In a groundbreaking moment for the Indian community at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival, there are not just one or two but close to 10 content creators from India who have been invited at the film festival courtesy their talent and reach on social media.

Here is a list of all Indian content creators who will grace the red carpet at Cannes 2024. Each of them represents different genres of beauty, fashion, finance, comedy and more.

Sharan Hegde:

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Sharan is said to become the first South Asian finance content creator to have been invited to the Cannes. He is the founder of the 1% Club and his journey from a former management consultant to a viral sensation in the world of personal finance amassing is nothing short of remarkable. With a knack for infusing humour and relatability into even the most complex financial concepts, he has single-handedly redefined the way people perceive and engage with their money.

On the massive recognition for his work this invite means, Sharan Hegde told WION, "Walking the iconic red carpet at Festival De Cannes is a dream come true but it's not just about me, I am filled with immense pride and a deep sense of responsibility of representing India and supporting Indian cinema. Taking on one of the world's biggest stages as the only finance creator showcases a breakthrough for representation and diversity in the finance and creator space. It is a reminder that our voices and perspectives matter, and that by staying true to our authentic selves, we can inspire and empower others to pursue their dreams, regardless of the conventions or limitations society may impose.”

“I am incredibly honoured to represent our country at Festival De Cannes as it is the ultimate validation that we are doing something right,” he added.

Karishma Gangwal:

Karishma popularly known as RJ Karishma will make her Cannes red carpet this year, A popular name on Instagram, the Indian content creator is known for her silly and funny videos on banter between different family members in a conventional Indian household setup. Karishma will be styled by Ayesha Nigam in custom pieces fromIndian-origin designers.

Speaking to WION, Karishma Gangwal said, “Working in the media space has been quite a fun ride for me. Starting as an RJ initially and then diving into creating and acting in my own sketches and characters full time, has been pretty fulfilling. And now, after so much love and kindness from my community, I am going to Cannes and soak in all that content celebration? Yeah, that's definitely a highlight.”

Ankush Bahuguna:

Ankush willbecome the first Indian male beauty influencer to debut at Cannes.The Indian beauty influencer has carved a niche space for himself with his versatility in the digital landscape around beauty -- breaking gender norms and juggling genres through highly captivating and engaging content.

Speaking to WION, Ankush said, "Walking the Cannes red carpet seemed beyond my wildest dreams. It truly shows that with belief and hard work, you can achieve the extraordinary. I am immensely proud to see men’s beauty, particularly from South Asia, gain global recognition. This milestone at Cannes is not just a personal triumph but a significant step forward for South Asian representation in beauty and fashion."

Niharika Nm:

Marking her presence at Cannes Film Festival for the third time, Niharika Nm is up for all the grandeur that this year’s festival has up its sleeves. A popular actor and content creator, Niharika loves what she does. She made her mark in Hollywood recently when she debuted with a cameo in Netflix’s Big Mouth alongside Megan Thee Stallion, Jordan Peele and Padma Lakshmi.

Reflecting on her past Cannes experiences, Niharika shared, "Being invited to witness the grandeur of the Cannes Film Festival for the third time feels lovely. For the film enthusiast in me, it’s like a dream I don’t wake up from. I'm looking forward to experiencing cinema at its finest yet again.”

Vishnu Kaushal:

One of India's most popular comedy influencers, actor and entrepreneur, Vishnu Kaushal will make his debut at Cannes this year. Vishnu has a way with the Gen Z in India and abroad as he takes a funny spin to the most mundane everyday situations. His relatable teacher-student scenarios, cousin banters, and "Bollywood vs Reality" videos have earned him a massive audience of devoted fans.

Expressing his excitement, Vishnu Kaushal said, “Nine years ago, I made a commitment to myself to diligently pursue my passions, hoping they could one day resemble a career. Now, it feels as though I've emerged from that dedicated journey only to find myself at the iconic Festival de Cannes - a surreal moment I never could have envisioned.”

Vishnu was most recently seen in Shah Rukh Khan’s film Dunki which was a massive hit at the box office.

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Rahi Chadda:

British-Indian tastemaker and content creator will yet again be a part of the Cannes Film Festival this year. Rahi is a London-based global fashion influencer. He has worked with the world’s leading fashion houses, including Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Prada; in addition to his beauty collaborations with brands such as Dior Beauty, Estee Lauder Companies, Louboutin Beauty, and Maison Margiela Fragrances.

Sanjyot Keer:

Sanjyot will take to the Cannes red carpet for the first time this year as he will become the second Indian chef after Chef Vikas Khanna to grace the film festival. The chef known for his fusion of flavours and captivating Indian culinary creations can’t wait to make his presence felt.

Excited for his debut, he said, “The Cannes Film Festival is an incredible stage for cinema and culture. I am grateful to have been invited to experience this Festival in all its glory. In my 8 year journey with Your Food Lab, I have strived hard to make every food video feel like cinema in my own way of storytelling. My life-long goal is to bring a fresh perspective to traditional Indian cooking, making it accessible to audiences worldwide through my work as a culinary artist.”