Kangana Ranaut defends Aishwarya Rai's Cannes looks: 'Show what you got'
Synopsis
Kangana Ranaut fired back at trolls targeting Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Cannes 2025 appearances, posting a blunt Instagram challenge: 'Show what you got.' The defence comes as Aishwarya marks her 24th year at Cannes — and as a fan war over her versus Alia Bhatt exposed a deeper discomfort with how older women are scrutinised on global red carpets.
Key Takeaways
Kangana Ranaut defended Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on Instagram Stories on Sunday , calling out social media trolls over Cannes criticism.
Kangana challenged critics: 'Why don't you show what you got??' and said older women on red carpets must be normalised.
Aishwarya was trolled over her appearance at Cannes 2025 , with comparisons drawn to actress Alia Bhatt .
This year marks Aishwarya's 24th appearance at the Cannes Film Festival .
Aishwarya's looks included a custom blue gown by Amit Aggarwal , a pastel pink draped ensemble, and a white pantsuit.
Kangana stars in 'Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata' , releasing on 12 June , about the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks .
Actress Kangana Ranaut has publicly defended Aishwarya Rai Bachchan against a wave of social media criticism targeting her latest appearances at the Cannes Film Festival, calling out trolls and challenging them to do better. The sharp response came on Sunday via Kangana's official Instagram Stories, where she shared Aishwarya's Cannes picture alongside a pointed message.
What Kangana Said
In her post, Kangana wrote: 'Fashion and style is a self expression, it is one's own interpretation of life and their attitude, no woman owes anything to anyone, Ash looks great!!' She followed it up with a direct challenge to critics: 'Those of you who want to see her any other way, why don't you show what you got ?? She is not here to please you, she is glorious, if you are not used to seeing older women on red carpets, get used to them now. Thanks.'
Kangana stressed that style is an expression of one's inner self and argued that audiences must normalise the visibility of older women on prestigious red carpets.
The Trolling That Sparked the Backlash
The controversy erupted after sections of social media trolled Aishwarya Rai Bachchan over her physical appearance at Cannes 2025, with some users making remarks about her face and weight. The criticism also spilled into a comparison with actress Alia Bhatt, who was also present at the festival, sparking a fierce debate among fans of both stars. Several users countered that while Alia has made only a handful of Cannes appearances, Aishwarya has been representing India at the festival for decades — this year marking her 24th appearance at Cannes.
Aishwarya's Cannes Looks This Year
For her primary red carpet appearance, Aishwarya wore a custom-made blue gown by designer Amit Aggarwal, paired with a stole and diamond jewellery. She was also seen in a pastel pink draped ensemble featuring sparkling floral embellishments and flowing cape sleeves. Her final look was a white pantsuit paired with a feather wrap stole, styled with minimal makeup and a middle-parted hairstyle.
Kangana's Upcoming Project
Away from the controversy, Kangana Ranaut is set to headline the upcoming drama 'Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata', directed by Manoj Tapadia. The film chronicles the courage of hospital staff during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and is scheduled to release in cinema halls on 12 June this year.
Point of View
Whatever one makes of her politics, lands a legitimate point: a woman with 24 Cannes appearances to her name is not auditioning for approval. The Aishwarya-versus-Alia framing was always a false binary manufactured for engagement — and mainstream coverage largely played along.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Kangana Ranaut defend Aishwarya Rai Bachchan?
Kangana Ranaut defended Aishwarya Rai Bachchan after social media users trolled Aishwarya's appearance at Cannes 2025, making remarks about her face and weight. Kangana posted on Instagram Stories calling Aishwarya 'glorious' and challenging critics to 'show what you got.'
What did Kangana Ranaut post on Instagram about Aishwarya Rai?
Kangana shared Aishwarya's Cannes picture on her Instagram Stories and wrote that 'fashion and style is a self expression' and that 'no woman owes anything to anyone.' She also challenged those unhappy with Aishwarya's look to present something better themselves.
How many times has Aishwarya Rai appeared at the Cannes Film Festival?
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's appearance at Cannes 2025 marks her 24th time at the prestigious film festival, making her one of India's longest-serving representatives at the event.
What did Aishwarya Rai wear at Cannes 2025?
Aishwarya wore three notable outfits: a custom blue gown by designer Amit Aggarwal with a stole and diamond jewellery, a pastel pink draped ensemble with floral embellishments and cape sleeves, and a white pantsuit with a feather wrap stole.
What is Kangana Ranaut's next film?
Kangana Ranaut will next be seen in 'Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata', directed by Manoj Tapadia. The film is based on the courage of hospital staff during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and is set to release on 12 June this year.
