Cannes 2026: Sufi Motiwala Gets Candid About His Debut; Says, "It Feels Incredibly Rewarding..."

Cannes 2026: Popular content creator and fashion commentator Sufi Motiwala, who made his Cannes debut this year, speaks exclusively to Jayveer Singh. In this conversation, he opens up about turning his voice into his biggest strength, redefining fashion commentary in India, his candid take on red carpet trends, and what it truly feels like to move from critiquing looks to becoming a part of the global fashion spectacle.

Excerpts...

You've said your voice got you to Cannes. What does that mean to you?

It means the world to me that all I had to do was speak from the heart, believe in myself, and manifest this moment, and somehow, I made it here. Honestly, what more could one ask for?

Photo Credit: Instagram

How does it feel to represent fashion commentary, not just fashion looks, at Cannes?

It feels incredibly rewarding. In many ways, I feel like I helped pioneer this space in our country, so being given opportunities like this feels surreal. When I was studying Fashion Communication, I never imagined my life would take this direction.

What was your first reaction when you got the Cannes call?

I was literally dancing all over the room with no music playing. Anyone watching me would have genuinely thought I'd lost my mind.

Photo Credit: Instagram

Are you more nervous as a critic or as someone walking the carpet now?

Being on the red carpet definitely feels more anxiety-inducing because people naturally have higher expectations of your fashion choices. But I hope people also remember that, at the end of the day, I'm still just a 22-year-old trying to build something meaningful and make my place in this industry.

What's one fashion trend at Cannes that you're already loving or rejecting?

I'm absolutely loving the idea of pristine, clean dressing, especially all the beautiful white gowns and dresses on the carpet. What I'm not loving, though, are some of the random shoe choices. I really don't want to see ugly heels ruining a great look.

Photo Credit: Instagram

How are you balancing being a commentator while also being part of the moment?

Honestly, it feels very effortless and natural to me. I was sitting inside the film festival theatre and still ended up making content from there. I don't really feel like I have to consciously balance the two, it just comes naturally.

One message for young creators who want to follow a similar path?

Just do it. Believe in your voice, stay consistent, and don't wait for permission to start.