Mumbai/IBNS-CMEDIA: Senior actor Ameesha Patel has questioned whether Indians are truly united while apparently backing Bollywood star Alia Bhatt, who was trolled online over claims that she was ignored at the Cannes Film Festival.
What’s the matter?
A viral video on social media showed Alia posing, waving and blowing kisses on the Cannes red carpet.
However, a section of netizens claimed photographers were focusing on other celebrities instead of clicking her pictures, triggering widespread online debate.
All paps ignoring Alia bhatt at #Cannes
Who is she waving at? pic.twitter.com/IxbZp2C7pc— Maya (@mayamehrotraaaa) May 12, 2026
Ameesha Patel reacts
In an apparent reference to the trolling, Ameesha wrote on X: “Recent activities have clearly made it evident that our own INDIAN mentality has become to pull others down .. we call ourselves as ONE nation and united- but are we actually?”
Recent activities have clearly made it evident that our own INDIAN mentality has become to pull others down .. we call ourselves as ONE nation and united- but are we actually ?— ameesha patel (@ameesha_patel) May 17, 2026
She further added: “Actors here in INDIA r more badly trolled by our own people than Hollywood stars are within their country from their own people which is so sad! Whether it’s a Indian star’s appearance or attire at big events they sadly become targets of their own people! Such a shame!”
Actors here in INDIA
r more badly trolled by our own people than Hollywood stars are within their country from their own people which is so sad !Whether it’s a Indain stars appearance or attire at big events they sadly become targets of their own people! Such a shame!— ameesha patel (@ameesha_patel) May 17, 2026
Actor Soni Razdan had also criticised the negativity directed towards Indian celebrities at global events.
How did Alia react?
Responding to a troll on Instagram who commented, “What a pity no one noticed you,” Alia replied:
“Why pity love? You noticed me :).”
Her response quickly went viral and drew praise from fans online.
Photo: Screen-grab/X
Alia’s Cannes looks grab attention
Representing L’Oréal Paris, Alia made a major fashion statement at Cannes 2026 with multiple appearances blending global couture with Indian aesthetics.
Her outfits included:
- a coral-pink Tamara Ralph couture gown,
- a modern Tarun Tahiliani saree-gown ensemble,
- a steel-blue Danielle Frankel creation,
- and a hand-painted Riviera-inspired dress.
Fashion critics praised her looks for mixing international glamour with Indian styling elements such as drapes, dupattas and traditional jewellery.
Her interactions with Formula 1 stars Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. also went viral on social media, adding to the buzz around her Cannes appearance.
