Acclaimed author and columnist Shobha De known for her "tell-it-as-it-is" comments, recently went on to praise Bollywood's most celebrated actress Vidya Balan on a popular micro-blogging site, as the National award winner represented the country on its centenary, as part of the prestigious 9-member jury at the 66th Cannes Film Festival.

Vidya Balan who travelled to the French Riviera as part of the esteemed jury panel, had the international press clicking away as she sported some traditional Indian wear with a hint of vintage couture. The actress dazzled everyone by making appearances in signature Sabyasachi outfits, leaving absolutely nobody in doubt of her nationality, receiving a huge thumps up for her sartorial choices.

On home turf Shobha De too went on to voice her support as she tweeted, "Vidya Balan does India proud on the red carpet at Cannes....Bravo Sabya," raising several eyebrows especially since De, known to be brutally honest, is highly critical and choosy of her comments.

Said a source, "Shobha De is one of the most renowned female voices when it comes to representing Indian women. Her supporting Vidya and her traditional choice of outfits on the red carpet is proof of how women across the country look upto Balan as an inspiration and the kind of support she's receiving from Indian opinion makers."