Ameesha Patel Speaks Out After Alia Bhatt Trolled Over Viral Red Carpet Clip

Ameesha Patel has spoken out against online trolling after Alia Bhatt faced criticism over a viral clip from the 79th Cannes Film Festival. Without naming Alia directly, Ameesha criticised what she described as the “Indian mentality” of pulling people down and condemned the way Indian actors are targeted online during international appearances.

In a series of posts on X dated May 17, 2026, Ameesha wrote, “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?”

She followed it with another post addressing trolling culture around celebrities.

“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 an Indian star’s appearance or attire at big events they sadly become targets of their own people! Such a shame!”

Her remarks came after Alia Bhatt was criticised on social media over a viral video from the Cannes red carpet. The clip showed the actor smiling, waving and blowing kisses while posing for photographers. Several users claimed international photographers appeared focused on other celebrities instead of taking her pictures.

Alia Bhatt Responds to Trolls

Alia later addressed the online remarks herself. After sharing a reel featuring her custom ivory silk saree-gown look from Cannes, one social media user commented, “What a pity, no one noticed you,” along with a laughing emoji.

The actor replied, “Why pity, love? You noticed me :)”

Her response drew praise from fans, with many appreciating the way she handled the criticism.

Industry Voices Rally Behind Alia

Support for Alia also came from actor Aly Goni, who criticised attempts to demean artists representing India internationally.

“It’s sad when our own people try to pull down someone who has worked so hard to put India on the global stage. Alia Bhatt has reached places many only dream of, representing our country at Cannes with grace and pride,” he wrote on Instagram.

Aly added, “Instead of mocking and trolling, we should celebrate and support those who make India shine internationally. We rise higher when we uplift our own, not when we try to demean them.”

Soni Razdan also reflected on the nature of online discourse while responding to a post by writer Shunali Khullar Shroff.

She wrote, “Social media is full of many things, love, information, entertainment, and… a lot of hate. And more than anything else, it reveals something about society. A very interesting sociological discussion could ensue and be discussed and studied for years to come.”

Actors Sonu Sood and Rahul Vaidya had also previously defended Alia amid the backlash.

The 79th Cannes Film Festival began on May 12 and is scheduled to run until May 23.

On the work front, Alia Bhatt is set to appear in Alpha, directed by Shiv Rawail. The film also stars Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol and Sharvari and is part of the YRF Spy Universe. She also has Love & War, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, lined up alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal.