Cannes’ Debut Removed My Fear of Wearing Heels: Chhaya Kadam
The Cannes Film Festival is a platform where the crème de la crème of the film industry come together to showcase their work. It’s a place where dreams are made, and careers are launched. For actress Chhaya Kadam, her debut at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival was a life-changing experience that helped her overcome her fear of wearing heels and western clothes.
Chhaya made her debut at the festival representing Palme d’Or-nominated and Grand Prix-winning ‘All We Imagine As Light’. Her presence at the festival was a testament to her talent and the recognition she received for her work. Little did she know that this experience would have a profound impact on her personal life as well.
In an exclusive conversation, Chhaya revealed that her fear of wearing heels and western clothes was something she had been carrying since her childhood. “I come from a traditional background, and I was always taught to dress modestly and comfortably. The thought of wearing heels and western clothes made me nervous and uncomfortable,” she shared.
However, her experience at the Cannes Film Festival changed everything. “When I walked the red carpet at the festival, I realized that I didn’t have to be bound by societal norms and expectations. I was there to represent Indian cinema, and I wanted to do it with confidence and style,” she said.
Chhaya credits her director, Rohena Gera, for encouraging her to step out of her comfort zone and experiment with different styles. “Rohena ma’am is a great inspiration, and she made me feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. She believed in me, and that gave me the courage to take risks and try new things,” Chhaya gushed.
The experience was not limited to just one red carpet appearance, though. Chhaya attended several high-profile events and interviews, all of which required her to wear heels and western clothes. And to her surprise, she found that she was enjoying it! “I realized that heels and western clothes aren’t that scary after all. In fact, they can be quite empowering,” she laughed.
Chhaya’s newfound confidence has carried over into her personal life as well. “I’ve started experimenting with different styles and trying new things. I’ve even started wearing heels to casual events and outings. It’s amazing how a little bit of confidence can change your perspective,” she said.
But Chhaya’s journey doesn’t end there. She has again represented Indian cinema at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival with her directorial debut ‘Snow Flower’. This time, she’s not just a delegate, but a director, and she’s excited to showcase her work to the world.
When asked about her experience directing ‘Snow Flower’, Chhaya shared that it was a challenging but rewarding experience. “As a director, I had to wear many hats – from writing to editing to casting. It was a steep learning curve, but I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished,” she said.
And what advice would she give to young actresses who are struggling to overcome their own fears and doubts? “I would say that it’s okay to take risks and try new things. It’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them. And most importantly, it’s okay to be yourself and not try to fit into someone else’s mold,” she said.
Chhaya Kadam’s journey from being a debutante at the Cannes Film Festival to becoming a confident and stylish actress and director is an inspiration to many. Her story is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the importance of taking risks and trying new things.
As Chhaya prepares to walk the red carpet at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, she’s not just representing Indian cinema, but also herself – a woman who has overcome her fears and doubts to become the confident and stylish person she is today.
