It’s that time of year when the world’s attention will be focused on Cannes; less on the films and more on the fashion statements, of course. As four of our Bollywood beauties prep 24x7 to put their most fashionable foot forward, we eavesdrop on their ‘conversation’ with their respective battalions of fashion stylists, hair and make-up personnel and publicists. Here’s how we imagine it would go…

Aishwarya Rai: Long live the Queen!

“What me, look worried? Puhleeze darlings, this is Cannes, my own fave playground. They absolutely loooove me here. I mean, having made my debut here in 2002, I’d call myself an old favourite but I hate that word – ‘old’, not favourite. And do note how I’ve raised the bar each year, aha. Don’t know what I was thinking dressing like I was going to a B-town wedding in the early years but gosh, now I have it down pat. Lilac lipstick, Barbie gowns, I’ve done it all. Now I’m thinking pink hair and yellow lip, maybe?”

Sonam Kapoor: Youth Matters

“Yeah, so it’s been fewer years for me at Cannes – coz I’m way younger, tee hee! - but I’d like to think I’ve left my own special mark. I mean, not to upset my seniors but I’ve got age on my side and I can rock avant-garde fashion choices that my seniors, no offence to them, would simply not be able to carry off. Remember that three-piece mint trouser sari? And liked I’d said, in the midst of all the madness, you have to make time for yourself; it’s all a part of the philosophy of being your authentic self – that’s if you do have an authentic self, tee hee.”

Deepika Padukone: Advantage Early Bird

“The early bird catches the… moolah! Haha, while my dear contemporaries will only follow later, I’m already in the French Riviera, making hay while the summer sun shines. There’s a cosmetic ad shoot lined up as well. Dontcha worry, I’ll be done with making my conquest on the red carpet well before the others can even get to it. My competition, pardon the expression, can eat my dust!”

Kangana Ranaut: My Time Has Come!

“Darlings, I’ve been making Cannes-worthy appearances every time I leave for the airport! No longer shall I be denied my share of the international limelight by these little nepotistic Bollywood cliques. Talent like mine cannot be hidden for long; sorry Mr Karan Johar! I’ve already sent out instructions about my preferred palette that will include white, grey and blue – yes, blue, coz I’ll be beating my competition black and blue.”