Bollywood star Alia Bhatt returned to the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 with her second highly anticipated look—but it left fans surprisingly divided.
Representing L’Oréal Paris as its global brand ambassador, Alia Bhatt graced the event as part of the “Lights On Women’s Worth” initiative. Her latest appearance came after a much-praised ivory-nude Schiaparelli gown earlier in the week. While many admired her elegance, some fans were left underwhelmed by her overall presence on the red carpet.
A Glamorous Yet Subtle Look
Styled by Rhea Kapoor, Alia donned a custom-designed gown featuring striking blue gemstones on the bodice and shimmering miniature crystals throughout the fabric. Complementing the look, she wore matching blue-stone earrings and even added a diamond ring as a head accessory.
However, what stood out even more was her decision to embrace a no-makeup aesthetic—minimal lip color, soft base, and subtle glow. While this choice was seen by many as a bold and natural statement, some viewers felt the lack of dramatic flair diluted the overall impact.
Fans Laud the Dress, Question the Presence
Despite the visual appeal of the outfit, the online response to Alia’s second Cannes appearance has been mixed. On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, fans showered praise on the outfit but were quick to point out what they saw as a lack of confidence and charisma in her posture and expressions.
One user commented, “She looks like she’s ready to run away from the spotlight,” while another remarked, “It’s a stunning dress, but Alia never quite brings the attitude that could elevate it.” A few even drew comparisons to Kareena Kapoor’s past Cannes looks, calling Alia’s ensemble “a subtle copy.”
Not Just About Fashion
This isn’t Alia Bhatt’s first brush with fashion scrutiny, but it highlights a recurring debate in celebrity culture—does style alone suffice without stage presence? While critics pointed out that something felt “missing,” others came to her defense, arguing that subtlety and grace often go underappreciated in a world dominated by over-the-top glamour.
Despite the divided opinions, Alia continues to carve out her own identity on the international stage. Since joining L’Oréal Paris as a global ambassador in 2024, she has brought a fresh wave of youthful energy to the brand, following in the footsteps of Aishwarya Rai.
What’s Next?
As the Cannes Film Festival continues, all eyes remain on Alia Bhatt and her next move—whether another show-stopping look or a deeper engagement with the causes she’s come to represent. Her journey at Cannes, while not without critique, undeniably places her among the most closely-watched Indian celebrities on the global red carpet.