Bollywood superstar Alia Bhatt’s return to the 79th Cannes Film Festival has ignited a firestorm of mixed reactions online. While the Alpha actress looked every bit the modern-day princess in her peach Tamara Ralph couture, a viral video from the opening night red carpet on May 12 has left Indian fans divided.
The clip appears to show several international photographers focused on other celebrities, leading to claims that the Indian ambassador was being “overlooked” during her high-profile walk.
In the footage, Alia is seen maintaining her composure, blowing kisses, and waving at the crowd with her signature grace. However, social media users were quick to zoom in on the background, pointing out that many cameras were pointed away from her.
The observation triggered a wave of “second-hand embarrassment” among some netizens, with one user commenting, “Who is she even waving at? The lack of flashbulbs is painful to watch.” Others, however, defended the actress, noting that international red carpets are notoriously chaotic and that she carried herself with immense strength despite the perceived snub.
Fans Defend Alia’s ‘Modern Princess’ Moment
Despite the online chatter, many fans and fashion critics have rallied behind the actress, praising her ability to remain poised under the global spotlight. “The smile she carried throughout shows she is a professional. It’s a huge platform, and she held her own,” wrote one supporter on X (formerly Twitter). Supporters also pointed out that official high-resolution photos of her look have since dominated fashion portals, suggesting that the viral clip may not have captured the full extent of the media’s attention.
The Look: Desi Elegance Meets High Couture
Controversy aside, Alia’s fashion choices were undeniably top-tier. Styled by Rhea Kapoor, her blush-toned gown featured a dupatta-inspired flowing cape that paid homage to her Indian roots. The real showstopper was her rare high-jewelry necklace, boasting 168.27 carats of pink coral and a massive 5.53-carat Golconda diamond.
As a global ambassador for L’Oréal Paris, Alia is expected to make several more appearances this week alongside stars like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Eva Longoria, potentially silencing the critics with her upcoming red-carpet turns.