Miss India Kanishtha to replace Rani Mukerji at Cannes

New Delhi: Rani Mukerji who was set to walk the Cannes red carpet this year, has been replaced by Miss India Kanishtha Dhankar.

Rani was supposed to make an appearance on the French Riviera alongwith designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee and filmmaker Karan Johar, but has bowed out as her father is unwell. Now Dhankar will be walking the red carpet for Chivas in Indian ethnic wear. "Kanishtha`s dress in red or nude gold will remind of the 60`s princesses. She will be wearing accessories from my personal jewellery line. I am not much of a fashionista so I will be wearing a bandhgala," said Sabyasachi. Rani was supposed to wear a Sabyasachi sari. "I had designed the outfit for her, everything was ready. I feel sad that Rani will not be able to make it, but I am more concerned about her father," said the designer. Dhankar, who is the first Miss India going to Cannes, said she had no idea that she would be lucky enough to attend the prestigious film fest this year. "I am very nervous but excited at the same time. I had many plans for this year but not even in my wildest dreams had I thought that I will be walking the Cannes red carpet. I feel lucky and blessed," she said. The 22-year-old Mumbai girl, who is preparing for her Miss World pageant, said, "The global exposure I will get through this is definitely a plus point for my upcoming pageant. It will help me get the crown back." Aishwarya Rai Bachchan had worn a Sabyasachi creation at the premiere of `Raavan` at Cannes last year and the designer is surprised at the opportunity to physically present at the fest this time. "I feel stupid, I don`t even know whether I deserve this or not. But it is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am glad that I got it. It`s like my own personal fairytale," he said. PTI