Bollywood star Alia Bhatt once again became one of the most talked-about celebrities at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, not only for her fashion choices but also for the conversation they have sparked online. This year, the actress turned in a dreamy hand-painted couture gown which blended fashion with fine art.
The pastel-toned gown, inspired by the French Riviera, featured delicate artwork that reportedly took nearly 110 hours to complete. The Ahmedabad-based muralist and artist Basuri Chokshi and designer Yash Patil created the standout design. Chokshi, known for mixing traditional painting techniques with wearable fashion, has suddenly found herself in the spotlight after the appearance of Alia Bhat went viral across various social media platforms.
While fashion critics praised the outfit for its originality and artistic detailing, another moment from Cannes unexpectedly grabbed the public’s attention. A viral clip circulating online showed paparazzi seemingly overlooking Alia during one of her appearances at the festival. The video triggered mixed reactions online, with some users calling the moment awkward, while many fans rushed to defend the actress.
Supporters argued that Alia maintained her grace and confidence despite the situation, with several fans praising her calm conduct and elegant presence on the red carpet. Others pointed out that international events like Cannes usually have a chaotic media environment where multiple celebrities compete for attention at the same time.
Despite the online debate, Alia’s Cannes appearance has largely been celebrated for bringing Indian artistry to a global stage. From the hand-painted couture to the buzz around her red carpet moments, the actress managed to remain at the centre of conversation throughout the festival.
Sources: Times of India | The Indian Express
