Ayesha Khan, a fellow actress, has come to the defense of Alia Bhatt amid a wave of trolling following Bhatt's appearance at the Cannes Film Festival 2026. The event saw Bhatt facing criticism online after videos suggested that some international photographers did not recognize her. Khan condemned this 'unnecessary hate,' reminding social media users of Bhatt's numerous achievements, including her roles in films like *Badrinath ki Dulhania* and *Raazi*, as well as her work as a mother and entrepreneur. She questioned the tendency of some Indians to undermine their own representation on a global stage, stating, 'She is there to represent us not them!' Alia Bhatt, in response to the trolling, shared a reel showcasing her stunning custom ivory silk saree-gown, which garnered praise for its elegance. When a user commented negatively about her recognition, Bhatt cleverly replied, 'Why pity love? You noticed me :)'. Despite the trolling, Alia's presence continues to be a significant topic of conversation, with many fans and celebrities defending her and celebrating her contributions to Indian representation at Cannes.