The Cannes Film Festival, an illustrious event synonymous with glitz, glamour, and cinematic excellence, has once again rolled out the red carpet for the global film fraternity. And this year, the Indian contingent is set to make waves with a stellar lineup of Bollywood's finest, including the enchanting Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, the vivacious Kiara Advani, the elegant Aditi Rao Hydari, the mesmerizing Sobhita Dhulipala, and the talented Mrunal Thakur.
Renowned for its celebration of cinematic artistry, the Cannes Film Festival serves as a platform for filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals to showcase their work to a global audience. But beyond the screenings and premieres, it is the fashion spectacle on the famed red carpet that often steals the spotlight, and this year promises to be no different with these Bollywood divas in attendance.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a Cannes veteran, is set to grace the red carpet once again in 2024. Known for her breathtaking appearances and impeccable fashion sense, all eyes will be on Aishwarya as she brings her signature elegance to the prestigious festival.
Kiara Advani: Kiara Advani, one of Bollywood's brightest talents, is gearing up for her Cannes debut in 2024. With her fresh charm and versatile acting skills, Kiara is expected to make a lasting impression on the international stage, showcasing her unique blend of style and talent. She is set to grace the Red Sea Film Foundation's Women in Cinema Gala dinner.
Aditi Rao Hydari: Aditi Rao Hydari, known for her classic beauty and graceful demeanour, is set to exude timeless elegance at Cannes 2024. With her poised presence and impeccable fashion choices, Aditi is sure to captivate audiences and photographers alike on the iconic red carpet. She has previously walked the Cannes red carpet in 2022 & 2023.
Sobhita Dhulipala: Sobhita Dhulipala, the epitome of experimental style, is ready to make her Cannes debut and set the red carpet ablaze with her fashion statements. Known for her fearless approach to fashion and trendsetting looks, Sobhita is expected to push the boundaries of conventional red-carpet glamour with her daring choices.
Mrunal Thakur: Mrunal Thakur, with her infectious energy and undeniable talent, is set to bring her signature charm to Cannes 2024. Whether it's her chic ensembles or her magnetic presence, Mrunal is poised to shine bright as she represents the new wave of Bollywood talent on the global stage.
Jacqueline Fernandez: Jacqueline Fernandez is not just a Bollywood star; she is a global sensation with a fan following that spans continents. Known for her effervescent personality, dazzling smile, and electrifying dance moves, Jacqueline has carved a niche for herself in the industry. Her infectious energy and magnetic screen presence have earned her a place among the most sought-after actresses in Bollywood. At Cannes, Jacqueline is sure to set hearts aflutter with her irresistible charm and sartorial elegance.
Diipa Khosla: Diipa Khosla, the multifaceted entrepreneur and international style icon, is all set to make waves at Cannes 2024. With her innovative approach to fashion and business, Diipa will not only dazzle on the red carpet but also inspire with her entrepreneurial spirit, showcasing the power of Bollywood beyond the silver screen.
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.