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Alia Bhatt's British citizenship questioned after her mother Soni Razdan's India-Pakistan Instagram post
Despite her explanation, the controversy surrounding the post persistedScreenshot/ Instagram
One critic wrote in response to Razdan’s Instagram post, “While peace is the ideal goal, it’s important to acknowledge who is truly escalating the conflict. Our soldiers are conducting targeted operations with utmost care, while the other side is openly attacking residential areas and killing civilians. Urging peace without context, especially when our people are dying and defending our borders, feels disconnected from ground reality. Also, this message coming from someone whose daughter enjoys all the privileges of India while holding foreign citizenship raises concerns about sincerity and accountability.”
Soni Razdan responded to the criticism, clarifying her stance. She explained, “My appeal for peace was not towards India but towards Pakistan. They are the aggressors after all. We are simply retaliating and rightly so. I think people have jumped to conclusions. Also, it was more a generalised statement. Hope that clarifies. I’m as devastated as everyone else naturally. War is a terrible thing. No one who has been through a war would wish it on anyone.”
Despite her explanation, the controversy surrounding the post persisted, with many accusing Razdan of contradicting her position in the 2018 film Raazi. The film, in which she played the role of a mother to an Indian spy, was set against the backdrop of the India-Pakistan conflict, and some critics pointed out that her current stance appeared at odds with her role in the film.
One critic commented, “Can’t believe you were a part of a movie like Raazi. Please re-watch your own film. And then advocate for peace.” To which Razdan retorted, “Peace has to be between 2 nations unless you think this is a war Pakistan is fighting with itself?”
The scrutiny surrounding Soni Razdan’s post also led to a renewed focus on Alia Bhatt’s British citizenship. Alia, who was born and raised in India, confirmed in an interview promoting her Hollywood debut Heart of Stone that she holds British citizenship. She explained that her mother, Soni Razdan, was born in Birmingham, and, as a result, Alia holds a British passport. This revelation came during a video interview with her Heart of Stone co-star Gal Gadot, in which Gadot asked Bhatt about her citizenship status.
Soni Razdan responded to the criticism, clarifying her stanceInstagram/ soniarazdan
Alia Bhatt’s British citizenship had been discussed before, but this incident brought it back into the limelight. In 2019, Soni Razdan had also revealed that she holds British citizenship. She later defended her position, saying that while she holds British citizenship, she has always been a responsible citizen of India. In response to the harsh comments she faced, Soni Razdan tweeted, “Urging people to vote against hate has nothing to do with citizenship and everything to do with being a human being. We are all human beings first and citizens of the world we live in. Secularism and democratic principles are values and it’s those that I stand for. #VoteOutHate.”
Razdan further explained her stance in another post, saying, “My father is Indian. I’ve lived in India since I was 3 months old. I pay taxes. I hold an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. If my hard-earned income is good enough to be used to better this nation, then I have a right to voice my opinions too. #VoteOutHate.”
Alia Bhatt’s dual citizenship has not been the only source of controversy. The Bhatt family’s history of outspoken views, particularly on political matters, has often attracted both praise and criticism. The debate surrounding Alia’s British passport and her mother's call for peace between India and Pakistan underscores a deeper conversation about nationalism, citizenship, and the complex nature of public figures expressing their political beliefs.
This incident highlights the often-blurred line between public figures' personal identities and their professional roles. Alia Bhatt, who has largely stayed out of political discussions, now finds herself at the centre of a larger debate about the responsibilities and expectations placed on celebrities, especially in politically charged times. The ongoing discussions about her citizenship and her mother’s stance on peace may continue to spark debate, but it also raises questions about the intersection of politics, identity, and public personas.
Cannes 2025: 10 moments everyone will talk about from red carpet drama to film controversies and celeb surprises
Coppola’s £94 million (₹993 crore) gamble Megalopolis is either going to cement his legacy or unravel it. Emma Stone reunites with Yorgos Lanthimos for Kindness, and Andrea Arnold’s Bird is flying high with early Oscar buzz. Oh, and word on the Riviera? A surprise late entry might shake it all up.
Megalopolis, Kindness, and Bird posters – Cannes’ fiercest Palme d’Or contenders face off.IMDB
2. The Apprentice: the film Cannes might boo off the screen
A Trump biopic starring Sebastian Stan? The Apprentice is already Cannes’ most divisive ticket. With reports calling it “brutal” and “politically nuclear,” expect everything from standing ovations to walkouts and maybe even protest placards.
Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump in The Apprentice—the biopic Cannes audiences may love to hateIMDB
3. Red carpet rebels: the era of protest fashion and AI couture
It’s not just about looking good but about making a statement. Zendaya might roll out in an AI-created gown. Timothée Chalamet could push gender-fluid boundaries even further. After Bella Hadid’s viral naked dress last year, what’s next? Cannes 2025’s carpet is all electric.
Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet turning heads on the red carpet with bold, boundary-pushing looksGetty Images
4. Bollywood lands in Cannes: Alia Bhatt’s fashion-forward debut
Alia Bhatt is finally making her Cannes debut and all eyes are on her. Expect a collision of Indian heritage and high fashion, with global headlines guaranteed. For desi cinema, it’s a major moment.
Alia Bhatt is expected to make a splash at Cannes 2025 with her much-anticipated red carpet debutGetty Images
5. The comeback crew: Johnny Depp, Lindsay Lohan, and the redemption arcs
Johnny Depp’s back with Jeanne du Barry Part II, hoping to reclaim his spot in the Hollywood spotlight. Lindsay Lohan’s rumoured secret project has fans buzzing. Cannes is where careers are reborn or buried.
Johnny Depp returns to the Croisette for Jeanne du Barry Part II, signalling a high-profile comebackIMDB
6. Netflix vs. cinema snobs: the streaming wars rage on
Netflix is back with films in competition, and the debate is hotter than ever. Will Cannes embrace streaming giants this year, or will the old-school gatekeepers throw shade again?
Tension builds as Netflix banners appear across Cannes, reigniting debates over streaming and traditionNetflix
7. Opening night glitter: Leave One Day sets the festival tone
A feel-good French comedy, Leave One Day promises a charming, good start. Directed by Amélie Bonnin, it’s light, breezy, and perhaps just the calm before Cannes’ inevitable chaos.
Leave One Day will light up the opening night with its feel-good charmIMDB
8. Parties you’ll never get into but wish you could
From Kylie Jenner’s yacht rave to Leo DiCaprio’s eco-luxe soirée and Coppola’s wine-fuelled Megalopolis wrap bash, Cannes is as much about the after-hours as it is about arthouse.
Kylie Jenner and Leonardo DiCaprio—Cannes' ultimate after-party royaltyGetty Images
9. AI invades Cannes: brilliance or cinema’s doomsday?
A short film entirely written by AI is set to screen and filmmakers are nervous. Will it dazzle or doom the future of storytelling? Either way, Cannes 2025 might become a historic turning point.
AI invades Cannes?Getty Images
10. Greta Gerwig’s jury squad: unpredictable and unapologetic
With Greta at the helm and wildcards like Barry Keoghan and Léa Seydoux beside her, this jury isn’t playing safe. Expect left-field picks, bold statements, and possibly the most talked-about Palme d’Or in years.
The Jury of the 78th Festival de CannesFestival de Cannes
The last word: Art or absolute chaos?
Will this be the year we remember for cinematic brilliance or backstage meltdowns? For AI revolutions or fashion revolts? Either way, one thing’s certain, Cannes isn’t just a film festival, it’s an unpredictable, glitter-drenched fever dream. And we’re absolutely here for it.
