Madhuri Dixit Praises Aishwarya Rai’s Legacy, Condemns Online Trolling

Madhuri Dixit has come out in support of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan following online criticism and body-shaming comments directed at the actor after her appearance at the Cannes Film Festival. The actor said Aishwarya’s achievements and contribution to India’s global image should not be overshadowed by discussions about her appearance.

Speaking to PTI while promoting her upcoming film Maa Behen, Madhuri praised Aishwarya’s long-standing association with the prestigious international festival and highlighted her impact as a global representative of India.

“She has been going there for 20 years. She has done the whole country proud. She is a global star. As a Miss World, she has done so much for the country,” Madhuri said.

Addressing the criticism surrounding Aishwarya’s Cannes appearance, she added, “You cannot reduce her to a number on a scale or a number on the dress or the size or a number on the calendar years. You cannot reduce her to that. She is beautiful. She looks beautiful but she is beautiful inside.”

Madhuri Questions the Message Sent by Body-Shaming

Madhuri expressed concern over the growing tendency to judge public figures based on their looks rather than their accomplishments. She argued that such comments send a harmful message to younger audiences.

“I think people have to realise that when you do these kinds of comments, what kind of message are you sending to the youngsters today? That your worth is on how you look, not on your achievements. I think this is a completely wrong message being sent,” she said.

The actor also reflected on how social media has amplified public criticism.

“Even earlier, there were people like that. Those who comment, they didn’t have a means to comment. But today, they have the means,” she said.

Aishwarya Rai’s Long Cannes Legacy

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has been a regular presence at the Cannes Film Festival since 2002, when she attended the premiere of Devdas alongside Shah Rukh Khan. The film, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, introduced her to the festival audience and marked the beginning of a relationship that has continued for more than two decades.

Over the years, Aishwarya has become one of the most recognisable Indian faces at Cannes, with her red-carpet appearances attracting global media attention. Despite recurring criticism from sections of social media, she has largely avoided responding publicly to such remarks.

Madhuri and Aishwarya shared screen space in Devdas, one of the most acclaimed films in Hindi cinema and a landmark title in both actors’ careers.

Triptii Dimri Also Backs Aishwarya

Actor Triptii Dimri, who stars alongside Madhuri in Maa Behen, also spoke against personal attacks directed at celebrities. She said it is easy for people to comment without understanding the effort that goes into building a successful career.

“It’s very easy to sit at home in your comfortable pyjamas and comment on people. But being in their shoes, those who have worked hard to achieve something, whether it’s Ananya or Aishwarya ma’am, they both worked hard in their lives. They are achievers,” Triptii said.

She added that while audiences have the right to critique an actor’s work, criticism becomes problematic when it shifts to personal attributes unrelated to performance.

Maa Behen Set for Netflix Release

Madhuri Dixit will next be seen in the dark comedy Maa Behen, which also stars Triptii Dimri, content creator Dharna Durga and Ravi Kishan. The film is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on June 4.