In a heartwarming blend of admiration for Bollywood’s past and future, social media influencer and Dubai Bling star Farhana Bodi recently spoke out about Alia Bhatt’s much-discussed debut at the Cannes Film Festival. While offering her appreciation for Alia’s growing international presence, Bodi also took a nostalgic detour — recalling Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s mesmerizing dance performance to ‘Pardesia’, the iconic track originally picturized on Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha in the 1979 classic Mr. Natwarlal.
In an exclusive interview during her own appearance at an international fashion event, Farhana expressed how deeply inspired she was by the representation of Indian women on global platforms. “Alia has arrived, and not just in Bollywood,” she said. “Her presence at Cannes wasn’t just about fashion — it was about confidence, grace, and a generational shift. She has what it takes to build a legacy that will be remembered.”
Bodi, who has carved her own niche in the worlds of beauty and digital entertainment, explained that watching Alia Bhatt confidently walk the red carpet at Cannes reminded her of how Indian cinema continues to evolve — and yet remains rooted in its cultural richness. “She’s bold, expressive, and she carries herself with quiet strength,” Bodi added. “She’s not just representing herself, she’s carrying forward the legacy of Indian actresses who’ve graced the world stage before her — like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.”
This reference to Aishwarya was more than symbolic. Farhana couldn’t help but recall a moment that had deeply moved her — Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s tribute performance to ‘Pardesia’, a beloved song from Mr. Natwarlal that originally brought together two of Hindi cinema’s most iconic stars: Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha.
“Aishwarya dancing to ‘Pardesia’ wasn’t just performance — it was reverence,” Farhana explained. “It was one generation acknowledging another, and she did it with such elegance and maturity. You could feel the weight of history and the grace with which she carried it.”
The performance in question took place at a special Bollywood tribute event and became a talking point not just for its aesthetic brilliance, but for the subtle emotional undercurrents it carried. The song ‘Pardesia’ is etched in the hearts of Indian cinema lovers, associated with a vibrant era of film music and unforgettable screen chemistry. Aishwarya’s performance managed to honor that history while bringing her own energy and interpretation to it.
“What struck me most,” Farhana said, “was how she didn’t just replicate the steps or wear retro clothing. She embodied the era — the elegance, the mystique, the poise. It reminded everyone why she’s not just a global star, but a true custodian of cinema’s cultural beauty.”
Farhana pointed out that both moments — Alia’s debut at Cannes and Aishwarya’s performance of ‘Pardesia’ — serve as reminders that Indian women in entertainment are not only stunning and stylish, but also deeply connected to their heritage. “It’s not about choosing between modernity and tradition,” she said. “It’s about gracefully carrying both — and that’s exactly what Alia and Aishwarya have done in their own ways.”
As Farhana continues to bridge the gap between Middle Eastern and South Asian entertainment industries through her own platform, she hopes to see more such cross-cultural moments where legacy and innovation go hand in hand. “The world is watching us now more than ever,” she said. “And when women like Alia and Aishwarya show up — whether on a red carpet or on a stage — they’re telling stories that span generations.”
With her own journey in the global spotlight, Farhana Bodi’s appreciation for such powerful women is more than just admiration — it’s a celebration of the ever-evolving narrative of Indian femininity, glamour, and grit. And whether it’s a Cannes debut or a tribute to a classic film song, the message remains the same: true legacy is born when talent meets purpose — and carries the past with pride into the future.
