14 May,2026 05:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Alia Bhatt in Cannes 2026 (Instagram)
Alia Bhatt made headlines at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival not just for her glamorous red carpet appearances, but also for her sharp response to online trolls. The actress, who attended the prestigious festival as a global ambassador for L'Oréal Paris, became the center of online debate after a viral video claimed that international photographers had ignored her during a red carpet appearance.
The controversy began after clips from Cannes circulated on social media showing photographers seemingly not calling out Alia's name while she posed on the red carpet. Several users mocked the actress online, with some claiming that "nobody noticed" her at the international event. The trolling quickly sparked mixed reactions online, with fans defending Alia and praising her for representing India on a global platform.
Amid the criticism, Alia appeared unfazed and subtly addressed the negativity through her social media activity and public appearances. According to reports, the actress gave a confident and witty response that fans described as "savage," earning praise across social media. Supporters applauded her calm attitude, saying she handled the trolling with grace instead of directly engaging in online arguments.
Television actor Aly Goni also came out in support of Alia and criticised those mocking her Cannes appearance. Sharing a clip of the actress from the festival, Aly wrote that Indians should celebrate artists who represent the country internationally instead of trying to pull them down. His statement received significant support online, with many agreeing that the trolling around Alia was unnecessary.
Despite the controversy, Alia's fashion choices at Cannes continued to receive praise from fans and fashion critics alike. The actress appeared in multiple designer outfits during the festival, including a coral-peach Tamara Ralph gown and a regal floral ensemble inspired by Indian craftsmanship. Her looks quickly went viral on social media, with many calling her one of the best-dressed Indian celebrities at Cannes this year.
Social media discussions around Alia's Cannes journey remained divided. While some users questioned whether international photographers recognised her, many others pointed out that such moments are common on crowded red carpets featuring global stars. Several fans defended the actress online, arguing that the negative clips were taken out of context and used to fuel unnecessary trolling.
Apart from Cannes, Alia is also preparing for her upcoming projects, including the spy thriller Alpha and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love and War, co-starring Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal.
