I don’t think any of us has the capacity to judge or critique: Deepika Padukone

It was day one for Deepika Padukone at the 75^th edition of the Cannes Festival yesterday. The actress is a jury member this year.

The jury, headed by French actor Vincent Lindon, will reward one of the 21 films in competition with the Palme d’Or on 28 May at the closing ceremony.

Padukone made a sparkling appearance at the festival as she was first spotted in a digital-printed Mysore silk shirt teamed up with trousers and a deconstructed Maharani necklace from Sabyasachi.

Later, she sported a retro look with a black gold-striped saree, also from Sabyasachi. She made sure to proudly represent India and Indian culture as she chose to wear a saree and greeted the crowds with a 'namaste' on the red carpet.

During a press conference, when asked how she would take up her responsibility of a member of the jury at the 75^th Festival de Cannes, here is what she had to say: “I think we are all aware of the fact that it’s a huge responsibility, but we promised each other yesterday that we are not going to burden ourselves with that responsibility. The idea is to remind ourselves of that audience or that child who has grown up watching cinema and been inspired.”

She continued, “Cinema is such a powerful tool and medium and it has the ability to touch people’s lives. We want to forget for the next two weeks that we have this responsibility but enjoy the creative process. That’s what we are all here to do. We are all creative people and I don’t think any of us [has] the capacity to judge or critique or criticize anyone. We are just going to enjoy.”

Vidya Balan was the last Indian actress to be a member of the jury at Cannes. This was in 2013.

Padukone was also asked if OTT is eating away the business of theatres. She disagreed. “Today I have the option as an audience to sit at home and watch a movie and also go to the theatre and have that experience," she responded. "I don’t think they are eating into each other. Filmmakers had to adapt in the kind of stories they want to tell as per the formats. I look at it as a good thing. It has given so many people so many more opportunities — actors, writers, producers, directors. I look at it as a much bigger opportunity and not one thing eating into the other.”

Padukone's confidence is hard to miss as one looks forward to more of her gorgeous red-carpet appearances. The festival, which was kick-started yesterday, will be on till 28 May.