Ash, Abhi promote Raavan at Cannes

She has often been criticised for favouring western couture over Indian ensembles during her much publicised stints on the French Riviera but Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was seen in a traditional outfit for her upcoming movie Raavan's launch at Cannes. Seen here with her husband and co-star in Raavan Abhishek Bachchan. (Photo: AFP)

The actress, who is one of the best known Indian faces across the globe, has shied away from wearing ethnic outfits ever since her debut at Cannes in 2003, when she was criticised for wearing a green sari. (Photo: AFP)

Ash wore a creation by Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. She had earlier chosen a sari by the same designer for her appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show. "I have given her many outfits for her stint at Cannes this year because she wanted to wear something Indian this time but I am not sure which dress will she be wearing," Sabyasachi told PTI. (Photo: AFP)

The actress, who has become a permanent fixture at the Cannes red carpet over the years, has wowed the snappers with her choice of gowns. (Photo: AFP)

Ash and Abhishek with actor Vikram (extreme right) and writer Prasoon Joshi (extreme left). (Photo: AFP)

Ash plays Vikram's wife in the Hindi version of Mani Ratnam's Raavan, while Abhishek essays the role of Beera. (Photo: AFP)

Earlier, while speaking to NDTV's Film Critic Anupama Chopra, Ash had said that it was very challenging for her to shoot for Raavan, as director Mani Ratnam shot both the Hindi and Tamil versions simultaneously. (Photo: AFP)

Raavan will be Ash and Abhi's second film post marriage. (Photo: AFP)

In all the couple has done seven films together including Raavan. (Photo: AFP)

Ash and Abhi have worked with Mani Ratnam in Guru also, which went on to become a huge box office hit. (Photo: AFP)

Abhi has accompanied Ash to the Cannes Film Festival ever since they got married. (Photo: AFP)

Last year the couple was accompanied by Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan as well. (Photo: AFP)

Abhishek and Aishwarya with Vikram. (Photo: AFP)

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan arrive for the screening of Outrage, at the 63rd international film festival, in Cannes, southern France, Monday, May 17, 2010. (Photo: AP)

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan arrive for the screening of Outrage, at the 63rd international film festival, in Cannes, southern France, Monday, May 17, 2010. (Photo: AP)

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan arrive for the screening of Outrage, at the 63rd international film festival, in Cannes, southern France, Monday, May 17, 2010. (Photo: AP)

Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya's mother Vrinda Rai arrive for the screening of Outrage, at the 63rd international film festival, in Cannes, southern France, Monday, May 17, 2010. (Photo: AP)

Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan and Vikram arrive for the screening of Outrage, at the 63rd international film festival, in Cannes, southern France, Monday, May 17, 2010. (Photo: AP)

Aishwarya Rai poses during a photo call for Raavan, at the 63rd international film festival, in Cannes, southern France, Monday, May 17, 2010. (Photo: AP)

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai pose during a photo call for Raavan, at the 63rd international film festival, in Cannes, southern France, Monday, May 17, 2010. (Photo: AP)

Aishwarya Rai poses during a photo call for Raavan, at the 63rd international film festival, in Cannes, southern France, Monday, May 17, 2010. (Photo: AP)

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai pose during a photo call for Raavan, at the 63rd international film festival, in Cannes, southern France, Monday, May 17, 2010. (Photo: AP)

Aishwarya Rai poses during a photo call for Raavan, at the 63rd international film festival, in Cannes, southern France, Monday, May 17, 2010. (Photo: AP)

Aishwarya Rai poses during a photo call for Raavan, at the 63rd international film festival, in Cannes, southern France, Monday, May 17, 2010. (Photo: AP)

Vikram, Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan pose during a photo call for Raavan, at the 63rd international film festival, in Cannes, southern France, Monday, May 17, 2010. (Photo: AP)

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai pose during a photo call for Raavan, at the 63rd international film festival, in Cannes, southern France, Monday, May 17, 2010. (Photo: AP)

Vikram, Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan pose during a photo call for Raavan, at the 63rd international film festival, in Cannes, southern France, Monday, May 17, 2010. (Photo: AP)