Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut has come to the defence of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan after the latter faced unflattering comments about her appearance at the Cannes Film Festival. The outspoken actor took to social media to address critics who questioned the former Miss World's look at the prestigious event.
Ms Ranaut, known for her candid opinions, stated that Ms Rai is not obligated to meet anyone's beauty standards. The intervention marks a rare moment of solidarity between two prominent figures in Hindi cinema, as Ms Ranaut has previously been critical of several Bollywood personalities.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a regular at the Cannes red carpet for nearly two decades as a L'Oréal ambassador, has frequently faced scrutiny over her fashion choices and physical appearance on social media platforms. The 50-year-old actor, who represented India at the festival this year, has maintained a dignified silence over such criticism in the past.
The incident has sparked wider conversations about the unrealistic beauty standards imposed on female celebrities and the toxic nature of online discourse. Several fans and industry colleagues have since expressed support for Ms Rai, emphasising the need for respectful commentary. The debate reflects ongoing concerns about body-shaming and ageism that women in the entertainment industry continue to face across the country.