Exclusive! Walking The Cannes Red Carpet Seemed Beyond My Wildest Dreams: Ankush Bahuguna

Popular influencer Ankush Bahuguna, who is all set to make his debut at the Cannes Film Festival speaks to whosthat360 exclusively. In this conversation, he highlights the taboos that he is challenging, his first reaction to Cannes news, and much more.

Here are a few edited excerpts from this delightful conversation;

Ankush, you are all set to make your Cannes debut; it's a huge achievement altogether. How are you feeling?

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. It marks a pivotal moment for the acceptance of men's beauty on a worldwide stage. It's a substantial victory and a door-opener for many more to come.

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How does it feel to be the - First Indian male beauty content creator at Cannes?

⁠I feel extremely honored & emotional, not just because I'm the first Indian male beauty creator but also because I almost did not start a beauty page fearing judgment. And it overwhelms me to think how my entire trajectory changed because of that one decision. I did, I listened to my instinct, I winged it & here I am! This is a milestone for not just my career but my confidence too.

You will be representing India at such a great forum. Do you feel pressured?

Yes, of course, I'm feeling nervous because it's a big global platform. I want to put my best foot forward. But to be honest, I'm also very excited because making it to the Cannes red carpet is a huge win for male beauty, especially in the context of South Asian representation. I'm truly honored!

What was your first reaction; when you got confirmation for Cannes?

My first reaction was denial. I've been in denial for weeks now because I don't want to get too excited ahead of time. So I'm trying to be calm & composed but now it's finally sinking in & I can't wait to be there!

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What's your family's reaction to this?

My family is very excited! My parents associate Cannes with the likes of Deepika Padukone & Aishwarya Rai. To see me walk the same red carpet is a moment of pride for them! My sister is excited too and I can't wait to see her hilarious reactions to what I wear at Cannes!

Have you ever manifested this?

Why would a boy growing up in Mayur Vihar with no background in cinema, fashion or beauty ever imagine walking the Cannes red carpet? Never even in my wildest dreams did I think this could happen! I don't know if I've manifested it, maybe my audience did, for me. I wouldn't be here without their support.

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What kind of preps are you making for your Cannes debut?

I'm spending a lot of time with my stylist deciding what we want to say through fashion & beauty. Trials & fittings are hectic, but I'm caught up with that, I'm also researching who's attending because I really want to meet imminent filmmakers there.

What's your outfit inspiration for Cannes? Drop some hints for your fans.

My outfit will reflect the person I am. I wouldn't want to make a statement just for the sake of it. Expect something classic but with an understated twist.

Ankush recently we have seen you give it back to trolls especially those who have posted indecent comments under your makeup posts. Do you think this achievement is the great answer to them?
Trolls have always trolled me & it hasn't stopped me from reaching where I am. But I do think, given that there's still a lot of unacceptance around men & makeup, this achievement might just open doors for other South Asian male beauty creators which is a big win!

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(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)