PANAJI: Thanks to India-born, international gynecologist and fashionista Dr Sonal Parihar, this year in May 2026, the Goan Kunbi saree will be on display on the red carpet, as well as at the main event of the Cannes Film Festival, in France.
Dr Sonal Parihar, a world-renowned gynec, as well as a Mrs Earth title holder, is a special invitee this year to the Cannes Film Festival to be held in mid-May. She will be attending most of the main events and film screenings at Cannes as well as other related film and fashion events held in the vicinity of the main film festival and will adorn the Goan Kunbi saree at one of the Cannes events.
She is particularly fond of Goa, with its expansive beaches, acres of untouched greenery, fields and its warm and welcoming culture, music and cuisine. According to her, when asked to choose her wardrobe for Cannes, the two top traditional options were the Goan Kunbi saree and the Maharashtrian Nauvari or the 9-yard sari. Besides the two traditional outfits, she will also be seen in fusion wear and other specially made designer outfits.
Who is Dr Sonal Parihar?
Dr Sonal Parihar has been practicing as a gynecologist for the last 26 years and also runs a hospital with her husband. She has dedicated her life to women’s health, healing and bringing new life into the world. She specializes in painless deliveries, endoscopic surgeries and colposcopy. For her medicine is a purpose, not just a professional job.
Besides medicine, she is a fashionista and the winner of the Mrs India title. She also represented India at Mrs Earth International in Las Vegas and won the title. She has walked the ramp for several fashion designers in India at various platforms and, besides medicine, is an authority on fashion and style.
She is also active in the field of medical education and has worked extensively in the women’s health sector as well as with NGOs to promote women’s health and hygiene.