Kangana Ranaut Defends Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Amid Cannes Criticism
Actress Kangana Ranaut has stepped forward to support Aishwarya Rai Bachchan after the latter faced backlash for her appearance at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. As discussions swirled online regarding Aishwarya’s fashion choices, Kangana took to her Instagram Stories to share her thoughts, emphasizing the importance of individuality and the challenges that women in the spotlight often encounter.
Kangana shared a photo of Aishwarya’s stunning blue gown from her first Cannes appearance this year. In her post, she stated, “Fashion and style is self-expression, reflecting one’s own life and attitude. No woman owes anyone anything. Ash looks fantastic!”
She further criticized those judging Aishwarya’s look, urging critics to rethink the unrealistic standards often placed on women, particularly older actresses. “If you want to see her differently, show what you can do instead. She’s not here to please anyone; she’s fabulous,” Kangana remarked.
Touching on ageism and representation at international events, Kangana added, “If you’re unaccustomed to seeing older women on red carpets, it’s time to get used to it.”
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan marked her 24th appearance at Cannes this year, continuing her long-standing relationship with the prestigious event as a brand ambassador for L’Oréal Paris. Joining her was her daughter Aaradhya Bachchan, who made her own debut appearance at a special gala dinner during the festival.
Aishwarya wasn’t the only Bollywood star under scrutiny this year. Alia Bhatt, also representing L’Oreal, faced similar discussions about her fashion choices at Cannes. Many fans, celebrities, and filmmakers rallied in support of Alia, sparking broader conversations about online trolling, beauty standards, and personal expression in the realm of fashion.
Kangana’s comments have resonated with many on social media, where users praised her for standing up for Aishwarya and addressing the age-based criticisms often directed at women in the entertainment industry.
