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“Like every Bengali, my association with Cannes began with Satyajit Ray ’s Pather Panchali making its mark at the festival. Little did I imagine that decades later, I would be walking those hallowed corridors myself,” says Priyanka Upendra , who says she is looking forward to check out as many films as she possibly can. The actor is currently in the French Riviera for the screening of her film September 21, directed by Karen Kshiti Survarna, in the Marche du Film (Film Market) section of the festival. “The film deals with caregiving for Alzheimer’s patients, and I don’t think we acknowledge caregivers enough. I have elders at home, so I understand what it takes to care for someone every single day,” she says. “I also took up this film at a time when I was overweight and not conventionally looking my best. But none of that mattered because the role demanded emotional honesty, and I gave myself completely to it.”

Priyanka says the experience was transformative as an actor. “When a subject like this gets showcased at a prestigious festival, it feels deeply validating. The role shook me up emotionally and reminded me that even if you cannot cure someone, you can always care for them,” she says.
While fashion has increasingly become synonymous with Cannes, Priyanka insists it is not her priority.

She also speaks warmly about working with a young female filmmaker. “This is a time when women are making remarkable strides in filmmaking, and being directed by a 22-year-old woman is truly inspiring. I hope experiences like this also motivate my children,” she adds.