By Webfit News

Auckland-based Anjali Balwal, Mrs India Worldwide 2025 first runner-up, has added another proud milestone to her growing journey in fashion, pageantry and international representation after receiving an invitation to walk the red carpet at Cannes.

Speaking to Webfit News, Anjali described the experience as something she had never imagined for herself.

“It was truly a wonderful journey for me. It was my first time in Cannes, and I never thought that one day I would be going there,” she said.

The 79th Festival de Cannes took place from 12 to 23 May 2026, according to the official Festival de Cannes programme and screening guide. The festival remains one of the world’s most prestigious film and cultural events, drawing international filmmakers, actors, media, designers and invited guests from across the globe.

For Anjali, the invitation came after her achievement as Mrs India Worldwide 2025 first runner-up, where she represented New Zealand on an international platform. That recognition opened the door to Cannes, a moment she says felt both overwhelming and deeply special.

A Surprise Invitation

Anjali said the news came suddenly.

“I got the news that there was an invitation for me and that I had to walk the red carpet this year. Initially, I was nervous. I thought, am I prepared this year? Should I go or should I not?”

At that moment, she says her husband became her strongest pillar of support.

“My husband has always been my biggest support. He said, why are you worried about preparing? Just go. You have done so many things in your life that you were never prepared for.”

That encouragement helped her make the decision to accept the invitation.

What followed was not only a professional milestone, but also a memorable family trip across Europe. Anjali and her family travelled to Paris, London and Amsterdam, turning the Cannes experience into a wider celebration.

“Cannes gave this beautiful moment,” she said.

Walking the Red Carpet

For Anjali, the red carpet was the highlight.

“Of course, the red carpet. It has to be the red carpet,” she said.

She explained that the event involved detailed planning, strict timing and high-level coordination. Guests were assigned specific dates and times to walk the red carpet, with event teams guiding them through the process.

“There was a lot of preparation. There were assigned people telling us exactly what time we had to be there. A limousine came to pick us up. You have to be there early because many people are there promoting their movies.”

The red carpet moment, she said, felt surreal.

Anjali also attended a gala dinner, where she met several celebrities and industry figures. She noted that phones and personal recording devices were not allowed inside certain private areas, with only official media permitted to cover parts of the event.

“It is a very private event,” she said.

A Proud Moment at Bharat Pavilion

One of the most meaningful parts of the trip for Anjali was visiting the Bharat Pavilion.

The Bharat Pavilion has become an important space for India’s film, media and creative industry presence at Cannes, bringing together filmmakers, officials, artists and cultural representatives.

Anjali said she was proud to see India represented alongside other countries.

“There were so many country pavilions there, like France and America, and Bharat Pavilion was there as well. I was so happy to see that.”

She also delivered a short speech of around 10 to 15 minutes and met representatives from Doordarshan, Indian celebrities and high-profile directors.

“It was truly wonderful, and I was feeling very, very proud,” she said.

Family, Support and Motivation

Anjali’s pageant and fashion journey has not been something she planned from the beginning. She said it has unfolded naturally, one opportunity at a time.

“I have never planned this journey, to be very honest. I never thought I would be in front of the camera, walking the red carpet or going to pageants. It was destiny probably. It just happened.”

When asked what motivates her, Anjali said her family remains her biggest strength.

“My husband is my biggest support from day one. Without his support, I would not be doing whatever I am doing right now.”

She also credited her mother as one of her greatest inspirations.

“I would definitely say my mother. I think she sees all those things I am doing, and probably somewhere she felt she could not do them, and now I am doing them.”

Sponsorship and Community Support

Anjali said this year’s Cannes opportunity came quickly, leaving little time to arrange major sponsorship. Her husband supported the trip, while others also contributed to her journey.

She thanked Jazz Bespoke for designing her dress, Tulip Finance for support, and Webfit News for following and encouraging her journey.

Next year, Anjali hopes to prepare earlier and is open to support from sponsors, brands and community members who want to be part of her international representation.

“Next year, I will probably prepare six months in advance. Any kind of support would be amazing. It is so nice to represent New Zealand and have support from your community. I am open to representing New Zealand and your brand, taking it to Cannes and telling your story as well. It is not just mine. It is us together.”

She said people interested in supporting her can reach out directly to her or through Webfit News.

What Comes Next

Anjali’s calendar remains busy. She revealed that she will soon travel to Mumbai, where she is set to judge a pageant. She also hinted at other upcoming assignments, though she chose not to reveal full details yet.

“There are a few other assignments which I am not going to reveal at the moment, but you will be seeing them very, very soon,” she said.

For Auckland’s Indian and wider multicultural community, Anjali’s journey reflects more than personal achievement. It is a story of representation, confidence and the growing visibility of New Zealand-based Indian talent on international platforms.

From Mrs India Worldwide 2025 first runner-up to walking the red carpet at Cannes, Anjali Balwal’s journey continues to show how far determination, family support and community encouragement can take someone.

As she prepares for her next chapter, one thing is clear: Anjali is not slowing down.