11 June,2026 12:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Alia Bhatt in Cannes 2026 (Pic via Instagram)
Film critic Anupama Chopra has weighed in on the trolling faced by Alia Bhatt during her Cannes Film Festival appearance, claiming that much of the online backlash appeared to be part of a coordinated effort rather than organic criticism.
Speaking about the actress during a recent conversation, Anupama suggested that the negativity surrounding Alia's Cannes outing went beyond the usual social media commentary. According to her, the scale and nature of the attacks indicated that there may have been a deliberate campaign aimed at discrediting the actor.
Alia attended the Cannes Film Festival as a global ambassador for L'Oréal Paris and made several high-profile appearances on the red carpet. While many fans and industry colleagues praised her fashion choices and international representation, a section of social media users mocked viral clips that allegedly showed international photographers paying little attention to her.
Addressing the controversy, Anupama said, "I felt there was a very concerted, organised campaign against her." She further claimed that the criticism appeared unusually coordinated and added that it did not resemble the kind of spontaneous reactions celebrities often receive online.
The film critic also questioned the narrative that Alia had somehow failed at Cannes, pointing out that the actress was representing India on one of the biggest global entertainment platforms. "I don't think the conversation was fair," she reportedly said, arguing that the discourse around the actor quickly shifted from fashion and cinema to personal attacks.
The trolling had earlier prompted several celebrities to come out in support of Alia. Actor Anupam Kher defended her, saying, "I am proud of the way Alia Bhatt represented India at Cannes." He also suggested that some critics were motivated by views and engagement, adding, "There are people whose lives are running on views, maybe they are getting paid for it."
Actor Aly Goni also backed Alia, writing on social media, "It's sad when our own people try to pull down someone who has worked so hard to put India on the global stage." He urged people to celebrate Indian artists who achieve international recognition rather than mock them.
Meanwhile, Alia herself chose to respond with humour when a social media user commented that no one had noticed her at Cannes. The actress replied, "You noticed me," a comeback that quickly went viral and won praise from fans.
The debate surrounding Alia's Cannes appearance has sparked broader discussions about celebrity trolling, online negativity, and the pressures faced by public figures in the age of social media. While opinions remain divided, Anupama's comments have added a new dimension to the conversation by raising questions about whether some online criticism is amplified through organised campaigns rather than genuine public sentiment.
