Ash absent from Cannes gala appearance

Indian actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who was scheduled to make the first of two appearances at the 67th Cannes International Film Festival Friday, will not be able to walk the red carpet due to an air traffic controllers' strike in France.

Aishwarya represents global cosmetics brand L'Oreal Paris at the annual gala.

"Aishwarya's flight from London to Nice was delayed and hence she hasn't been able to reach Cannes as planned. With the latest development, the L'Oreal Paris team is making arrangements for Aishwarya to walk the red carpet on an alternate day," said a statement.

Now Aishwarya will make an appearance May 21 and the L'Oreal Paris team will soon confirm the date about her second stint.
"While the delay has been unfortunate, we are making sure that Aishwarya attends the event on an alternate date and we are sure she will dazzle as always," said Manashi Guha, general manager, L'Oreal Paris India.

Aishwarya has been attending the Festival de Cannes on behalf of the brand for 13 years now.

Earlier, she was spotted at the Mumbai airport with her daughter Aaradhya while leaving for the gala.