ROMA RIAZ

interview

The Cannes red carpet has long been a space where global names, sharp fashion, and cultural conversations meet and this year, a new face from Pakistan is stepping into that spotlight. Crowned Miss Universe Pakistan in 2025, Roma Riaz is set to make her debut at the 79th Cannes International Film Festival, scheduled to take place from 12th to 23rd May. Hailing from a Punjabi background, Roma is set to not only walk the iconic red carpet but also host the Xpedition Gala, calling it a moment of pride as she prepares to represent Pakistan on one of cinema’s biggest stages. Her appearance follows Erica Robin, who made her Cannes debut in 2024, attending the premiere of ‘The Substance’ directed by Coralie Fargeat. This week, Roma shares her journey and experience with our readers…

You’ve recently been crowned Miss Universe Pakistan 2025 and are now heading to Cannes. How are you taking in this moment?

It still feels a little unreal. Being crowned Miss Universe Pakistan was already a big milestone and now representing the country at Cannes makes it even more special. It’s a proud moment for me. I’m excited, but also very aware of the responsibility that comes with it. Events like these are not just about showing up, they’re about how you carry yourself and what you represent.

You’ll be walking the red carpet and also hosting the Xpedition Gala. What does that involve?

I’ve been invited by Xpedition Magazine and Josh Yugen PR. The Xpedition Gala is an international event where artists from different parts of the world are recognised. I’ll be hosting the awards alongside an American co-host, so I’m really looking forward to that experience. It’s going to be a mix of formal and fun and I think it will be a great opportunity to connect with people from different industries.

Your journey comes after Erica Robin’s Cannes appearance last year. Did watching her experience shape your expectations?

Yes, in a way it did. When Erica went, she also faced criticism and I saw that closely. It made me realise that no matter what you do, there will always be people who have something to say. That understanding helped me prepare mentally. You learn very quickly that you can’t make everyone happy, so it’s better to stay focused on your goals.

You’ve also faced criticism online, about your appearance, your Urdu, even your body. How did you deal with that?

Honestly, it does affect your mental health. Anyone who says it doesn’t is probably not being truthful. But I made a conscious decision not to let it control me. I reminded myself why I started this journey in the first place. At the end of the day, if you keep focusing on negative voices, you lose sight of everything else that’s going right.

At the same time, you’ve received a lot of international support. How do you explain that contrast?

It’s interesting, actually. While there was criticism locally, I was getting a lot of appreciation from people across the world. Participating in Miss Universe gave me global exposure. I now have strong support from countries like Mexico, Brazil and the Philippines. That kind of response reminds you that your work is reaching beyond borders and that matters.

Cannes is known for its big global names. Do you feel any pressure stepping into that space?

I think it’s natural to feel a bit of pressure, but I’m not looking at it as a competition. I’m not going there to seek validation or compare myself with anyone. My focus is clear, I want to represent where I come from in an honest way. If I stay true to that, I think everything else falls into place.

You’ve chosen to work closely with Pakistani designers for your Cannes looks. Why was that important to you?

It was a very deliberate decision. Our designers have strong craftsmanship and a clear sense of identity in their work. I felt that if I have a platform like Cannes, it should also benefit others. Every outfit I’ll be wearing has been designed locally, many by women-led fashion houses. It’s my way of highlighting that talent on a global stage.

What kind of wardrobe have you planned for Cannes?

There’s a mix of everything, fusion, traditional and western outfits. The idea was to show range. I didn’t want to limit it to one style because our fashion isn’t limited either. Each look has been carefully planned, from colours to overall concepts. There’s thought behind every piece.

Is there one look that stands out for you personally?

Yes, my red carpet look is very close to my heart. I can’t reveal too much about it right now, but it carries a deeper meaning for me. It’s not just about how it looks, it’s about what it represents.

You’ve also mentioned planning a tribute during your time there. What can you share about that?

During my five-day stay, I want to dedicate some of my looks to actresses who have represented our country well through their work. It’s something I feel strongly about. They’ve contributed a lot to how our industry is seen and this is a small way of acknowledging that.

Beyond the red carpet and appearances, what do you hope people take away from your presence at Cannes?

I hope people see effort, sincerity and representation. For me, this isn’t just about being seen at a big event. It’s about showing that we belong in these spaces too. If even a few people start to look at our talent and culture differently because of this, I’ll consider it meaningful.

Looking back at your journey so far, what has been the biggest lesson?

The biggest lesson has been to stay grounded. There will always be noise, both positive and negative. If you get carried away by either, you lose balance. So I’ve learned to focus on my work, keep improving and not let outside opinions define my direction.

Finally, how would you sum up your Cannes debut in one line?

It’s a chance to represent my country with honesty, while staying true to who I am.