Up, Close, and Personal With Diana Penty

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE AT CANNES.

Honestly, when I booked my tickets it was like a bag of mixed emotions. I was super-excited but then I was also nervous and elated, all of it mixed together because I was thinking about how I am going to pull this off. I have followed Cannes for so many years, whether reading about it in news articles or looking it up on Instagram and following who wore what, et al.

HOW MUCH TIME DOES IT TAKE TO PREP FOR THE FESTIVAL?

Since I was debuting, I really didn’t know what to expect. The best way I figured to do it was to live every moment, and not plan and prep too much in advance.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE FESTIVAL?

Walking the red carpet. It was such a long walk, but I had such a fun time once IgotonitasIamamodelandIhavebeendoingthis for years, so I felt on top of the world.

WHAT WAS THE ONE THING NOBODY TOLD YOU ABOUT CANNES?

I never expected that massive blast of music while walking down the red carpet, it was amazing and automatically got me into the groove.

All clothing, Anita Dongre. All jewellery, Hazoorilal by Sandeep Narang.

WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH GREY GOOSE?

Amazing! I have always shared a great rapport with Grey Goose. I would have never been to Cannes if it wasn’t for them, and the journey has been full of appreciations.

LET’S DIVE INTO YOUR PERSONAL LIFE NOW. IF AND WHEN YOU DO GET MARRIED, WHERE WOULD IT BE?

I have not really thought of all these details. Destination weddings sound very exciting but I can only imagine how hectic they could be. I am not a beach person, but I am a huge mountain person, so maybe somewhere there.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A COUPLE HAVING A DESTINATION WEDDING?

I mean destination or not, I just feel like you need to enjoy the moment because I think a lot of people get sucked into the planning and the preparations bit. You are supposed to actually have fun at your wedding.

All clothing, Ritu Kumar. All jewellery, Hazoorilal by Sandeep Narang.

ARE YOU IN LOVE?

Yes.

WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF AN IDEAL MAN?

Somebody that allows you to be yourself, and then you know he loves you for the way you are. It’s important to be transparent and I mean that.

ONE THING THAT ATTRACTS YOU IN A MAN?

Someone who is well-spoken and has a great sense of humour.

AND SOMETHING THAT TURNS YOU OFF?

Somebody who can’t laugh at himself.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING IN LOVE?

To love unconditionally, and to be able to grow and blossom in that.

WHICH PLACE WOULD YOU PICK FOR A ROMANTIC DATE?

I am eager to go to Norway after looking at some beautiful pictures of their fjords and rivers. And, of course, the aurora borealis as for me it’s all about nature.

Jacket, Anamika Khanna. Blouse and lehenga, Tarun Tahiliani. All jewellery, Hazoorilal by Sandeep Narang.

FINALLY, WHAT’S NEXT IN TERMS OF WORK?

I have signed a new lm called Shiddat, and I actually can’t wait for it because it’s from the producers of my first film, Cocktail. It’s an intense love story and will be out early next year.

CREDITS:

Photographer: Dirk Bader; Fashion Editor: Ayesha Amin Nigam; Fashion Stylist: Shaurya Athley; Hair & Makeup: Marianna Mukuchyan at TOABH; Production & Talent: Courtesy Fetch India; Location: Courtesy AirBnb, Cannes.