MUMBAI (Entertainment Desk) The glamour of the French Riviera has officially begun, and this year, Alia Bhatt is once again commanding attention at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
The actor arrived in Cannes for her second appearance at the global event, representing an international beauty label as its global ambassador, and her first fashion outing from the festival has already sparked major conversation online.
For her latest appearance, Alia chose a dramatic structured corset ball gown that blended classic couture with modern elegance. The silhouette featured sharp tailoring and voluminous detailing, allowing the outfit to make a statement without relying on heavy styling.
Keeping the focus entirely on the gown, the actor opted for minimal accessories and understated makeup, creating a polished and refined red carpet-ready look. Fashion enthusiasts on social media were quick to praise her styling choices, with many calling the appearance one of her most sophisticated Cannes looks so far.
This marks Alia’s second consecutive year at Cannes after making her much-talked-about debut in 2025. Since then, her presence at international fashion and entertainment events has steadily grown, positioning her among the prominent Indian faces on the global stage. Her appearance this year is expected to include a red carpet walk as well as participation in several brand-led engagements during the festival.
However, while Alia’s fashion moment generated excitement, another conversation connected to her Cannes visit has also been gaining traction online. A promotional Instagram video shared by the beauty brand she represents recently drew criticism from fans after viewers noticed the absence of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
The video reportedly showcased large posters of several female ambassadors displayed around the iconic Martinez Hotel in Cannes, including Alia and other international personalities.
Fans were quick to point out that Aishwarya, who has long been associated with the brand and remains one of its most recognised Indian ambassadors globally, did not appear in the campaign visuals.
The omission sparked strong reactions in the comments section, with many users questioning why the veteran actor was excluded despite her longstanding association with the beauty giant and her celebrated history at Cannes. Several fans described Aishwarya as one of the defining Indian faces of the festival over the years and expressed disappointment over the perceived snub.
So far, the beauty brand has not released any official clarification regarding the matter, but the discussion continues to gain momentum across social media platforms as Cannes 2026 unfolds.
