Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt, widely celebrated for her role in “Gangubai Kathiawadi,” recently made her debut at the glitzy Paris Fashion Week 2024. All eyes were on her as she graced the runway alongside global celebrities and eminent personalities from the entertainment industry. Alia, evidently thrilled by the experience, took to Instagram to share a series of photos documenting her stint at the prestigious fashion event.
However, what should have been a triumphant moment was soon tainted by an unexpected controversy. A certain subset of netizens accused Alia Bhatt of cropping out none other than Aishwarya Rai Bachchan from her Instagram post. Aishwarya, who is an iconic figure in the world of fashion and cinema, also walked the ramp at the same event.
One Instagram user voiced their concern saying, “Why did you crop your inspiration pic on the 2nd slide?” while another added fuel to the fire with the comment, “How jealous one can be..cropping the OG Aishwarya out of her posts. You can never match Aishwarya. Puppy in front of her.”
The debate over whether Alia Bhatt intentionally cropped out Aishwarya Rai Bachchan escalated rapidly, seeping into platforms beyond Instagram. Reddit users were quick to jump into the fray, with many clarifying that the images posted by Alia were sourced from Getty Images. These users explained that Alia had not made any edits to remove Aishwarya; rather, the photos were provided as is by the renowned image company. In a Reddit post, one user pointed out, “Getty images posted these photos. Alia didn’t crop anyone. Other L’Oréal ambassadors posted the same pic as Alia did, so are they jealous of Aish?” This revelation somewhat quelled the uproar but highlighted how quickly misunderstandings can spiral online.
In one of her Instagram posts, Alia did include a picture featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan along with other stars such as Kendall Jenner and Simone Ashley. This picture aimed to underline the camaraderie and unity among the attendees, debunking the jealousy claims that some netizens were propagating.
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Alia’s iconic look at the Paris Fashion Week was met with widespread admiration. She donned a striking ensemble by renowned Indian designer Gaurav Gupta, which featured a metal-cast silver breastplate intricately adorned with a swan’s head and wings interwoven with the body of a serpent. This was paired with black flared sharara trousers, channeling the bold and avant-garde aesthetic that is becoming synonymous with Gupta’s brand. This striking attire drew inspiration from the ‘Aaronaham’ collection first seen at Paris Couture Week, SS’24.
Alia eloquently expressed her thoughts on wearing the creation, “Wearing Gaurav Gupta’s creation on the global stage of Paris Fashion Week with L’Oreal Paris is not just a privilege, it’s a proud assertion of Indian excellence. For me, fashion is an extension of my art, a narrative that transcends borders. This creation tells the story of women who are fiercely feminine and unabashedly powerful. It’s my honour to wear this masterpiece and to represent India’s burgeoning fashion force to the world.”
Amid the social media furor, Alia’s upcoming projects were also highlighted, showcasing that her professional journey continues to soar. She will next be seen in the film ‘Jigra’ alongside Vedang Raina, directed by Vasan Bala. Additionally, fans are eagerly awaiting her performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus ‘Love and War,’ co-starring Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. Another anticipated project on her roster is the movie ‘Alpha,’ where she will share the screen with Sharvari in a storyline that features them as super agents under the direction of Shiv Rawail.
Amid the digital debate and the ensuing defenses from her fans, Alia Bhatt remains a towering figure in the entertainment industry. Her presence at Paris Fashion Week not only marks a milestone in her career but also serves to bring international attention to Indian fashion. While controversies such as the alleged cropping incident can momentarily eclipse the positive aspects, the intricate nuances of Alia’s craft and global representation continue to shine brightly.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Alia Bhatt’s Instagram post serves as a reminder of the rapid and often baseless nature of online judgments. Yet, it also underscores the importance of clarity and understanding in the ever-evolving world of social media. Regardless, Alia Bhatt’s strides in both fashion and film continue to reflect her dedication, talent, and influence on a global scale.
