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Cannes: Shobhaa De criticism of Alia Bhatt sparks backlash

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Cannes: Shobhaa De criticism of Alia Bhatt sparks backlash

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At the 2026 Cannes Film Festival on the French Riviera, Indian author and columnist Shobhaa De posted an Instagram video critiquing the presence and fashion choices of Indian celebrities on the red carpet, with particular focus on actress Alia Bhatt. De described the Indian turnout as a “No Cannes Do” moment and claimed international photographers did not recognize Bhatt during a secondary red-carpet appearance in a custom peach-toned gown. She said Bhatt appeared to be interacting mainly with her own team and called the gown ill-fitting. De also argued that, apart from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, many Indian attendees were present primarily for brand endorsements.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

2026 Cannes Film Festival begins in France
During festival, Alia Bhatt walks red carpet
Same day, Bhatt’s peach gown images circulate
Shortly after, Shobhaa De records Instagram reel
In reel, De questions Bhatt’s global recognition
De additionally criticizes broader Indian contingent
Following reel, social media backlash intensifies
Subsequently, debate grows about celebrity endorsements

Why This Matters to You

This controversy highlights the global scrutiny on celebrities' fashion choices. It also brings up the debate about celebrity endorsements at international events. If you're a fan of Alia Bhatt or Indian cinema, you might want to follow this story. It's a chance to understand the pressures and expectations on stars at global events.

The Bottom Line

Shobhaa De's criticism of Alia Bhatt and other Indian celebrities at Cannes has stirred up a social media storm. It's a reminder of the power of public figures' words and the impact they can have. Worth forwarding if you know someone interested in celebrity culture or the dynamics of international film festivals.