Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Alia Bhatt's appearances at Cannes 2026 have divided the internet, sparking a fierce comparison between fans of the two Bollywood stars. The red carpet moments at the prestigious film festival in France quickly turned into an Aishwarya versus Alia battle, with social media comment sections flooded with opinions. Some users sided with the 'Guru' actress, while others defended the 'Brahmastra' star.
Fan Reactions on Social Media
According to an IANS report, one X user wrote, "Don't you ever dare compare with Aishwarya." Another netizen commented, "Aish was on another level when she was Alia's age." On the other hand, an Alia Bhatt fan defended the actress, stating, "Alia Bhatt any day." Meanwhile, an Aishwarya Rai Bachchan admirer remarked, "Aishwarya ate this look."
A social media user also noted, "Difference of elegance seen in both pictures." Some users urged fans not to pit the actresses against each other. "Why do you even have to compare them on Day 1? This is Aishwarya's time now. Let us enjoy this," read one comment. Another user wrote, "Alia & Aish fans better not be fighting in the comments."
Alia Bhatt's Cannes 2026 Appearance
For her Cannes appearance, Alia Bhatt opted for a soft blush pink body-hugging gown. She walked the red carpet on May 12 at the opening of the film festival. Several social media users shared videos alleging that photographers ignored the actress while she posed. One post even claimed that Hollywood veteran Jane Fonda asked her to step aside during the photo session. However, these assumptions were largely drawn from gestures seen in the viral clip, as the video contained no audio.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at Cannes 2026
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan brought her signature royal aura to Cannes in a dramatic royal blue shimmering bodycon gown. She marked her presence at the film festival on Friday night. At another event, she was spotted posing for the paparazzi along with her daughter Aaradhya Bachchan. In a picture going viral on social media, Aishwarya is seen posing gracefully in an all-baby-pink ensemble. Standing beside her is her teenage daughter Aaradhya, who complemented her mother beautifully in a satin red gown paired with a sparkling cape detail.
In another set of visuals going viral online, Aishwarya can be seen posing against the backdrop of the French Riviera, looking stunning in a pastel pink draped ensemble that featured sparkling floral embellishments and flowing cape sleeves.
Work Front
On the work front, Alia Bhatt will next feature in 'Alpha', co-starring Sharvari and Bobby Deol. She also has Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Love and War' with Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. Meanwhile, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has been away from the screens. She was last seen in Mani Ratnam's 'Ponniyin Selvan' film franchise.
