Anupam Kher Backs Alia Bhatt Over Cannes Trolling, Calls Critics 'Losers'
Anupam Kher Backs Alia Bhatt Over Cannes Trolling

Veteran actor Anupam Kher has come out in support of Alia Bhatt after the actress faced trolling during her recent appearance at the Cannes Film Festival. Kher, who recently won the Best Supporting Actor award at the UK Asian Film Festival Flame Awards for his Indo-Canadian film Calorie, spoke strongly against online negativity and praised Alia for the way she handled criticism.

‘People criticise iconic personalities just to get noticed’

Reacting to the criticism directed at Alia during Cannes, Kher did not mince his words. “Losers who have nothing to do in life, they just want to get noticed by criticising something iconic. Criticism has become the favourite national pastime of certain people or maybe a full-time job. I don't get angry with them anymore, rather I feel pity,” he told Hindustan Times.

The actor added that he was proud to see Alia representing India on a global platform. “I am proud of the way Alia Bhatt represented India at Cannes. There are people whose lives are running on views, maybe they are getting paid for it. I loved how Alia responded to them,” he shared.

Wide Pickt banner — collaborative shopping lists app for Telegram, phone mockup with grocery list

Kher further praised the actress for maintaining her composure amid the trolling. “These trolls are such becharas that their mere existence is due to celebrities. Alia is a rockstar and she knows how to deal with it,” he added.

Alia’s witty response won over social media

The controversy began after a viral video from Cannes led some internet users to claim that international paparazzi had ignored Alia on the red carpet. Soon after, a user commented on one of her social media posts saying, “What a pity no one noticed you.” However, the actress shut down the negativity with a witty response. “Why pity love? You noticed me :)” Alia replied.

Her response quickly went viral online, with fans praising her confidence, humour, and grace. Many social media users appreciated the way the actress handled the criticism without losing her calm.

Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026, and Telugu movies.

About the Author
TOI Entertainment Desk
The TOI Entertainment Desk is a dynamic and dedicated team of journalists, working tirelessly to bring the pulse of the entertainment world straight to the readers of The Times of India. No red carpet goes unrolled, no stage goes dark - our team spans the globe, bringing you the latest scoops and insider insights from Bollywood to Hollywood, and every entertainment hotspot in between. We don't just report; we tell tales of stardom and stories untold. Whether it's the rise of a new sensation or the seasoned journey of an industry veteran, the TOI Entertainment Desk is your front-row seat to the fascinating narratives that shape the entertainment landscape. Beyond the breaking news, we present a celebration of culture. We explore the intersections of entertainment with society, politics, and everyday life.

Pickt after-article banner — collaborative shopping lists app with family illustration