Madhuri Dixit has strongly defended fellow actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan against online trolling and body-shaming following her appearance at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, saying the global star’s achievements cannot be reduced to her appearance, age or dress size.
Aishwarya, who has been a regular presence at Cannes for over two decades, faced criticism on social media after photos and videos from this year’s red carpet circulated online.
Speaking about the backlash, Madhuri said Aishwarya has spent years representing India on the global stage and deserves recognition for her accomplishments rather than scrutiny over her looks.
Recalling Aishwarya’s journey from winning the Miss World title to becoming an international icon, Madhuri said she has made the country proud and built a remarkable legacy.
She argued that judging women solely on appearance sends a damaging message to younger generations, implying that their value lies in physical appearance rather than achievements, talent and character.
The two actors previously worked together in the acclaimed film Devdas alongside Shah Rukh Khan.
Aishwarya first attended Cannes in 2002 for the film’s premiere and has since become one of India’s most recognised faces at the international festival.
Madhuri also commented on the broader culture of social media criticism, saying that while negative opinions have always existed, digital platforms now give everyone an immediate outlet to express them.
She noted that online commentary often focuses excessively on personal matters rather than professional achievements.
Actor Triptii Dimri, who stars with Madhuri in the upcoming Netflix film Maa Behen, supported her views.
Triptii said it is easy for people to criticise public figures without understanding the effort and dedication behind their success.
She described both Aishwarya and Ananya Panday as hardworking achievers who have earned their positions through years of effort.
Triptii also reflected on the anxiety actors experience when presenting their work to the public.
While she accepts criticism of performances and films, she said personal attacks unrelated to the work itself can be frustrating.
Madhuri concluded that intense scrutiny has become part of the digital era, where instant reactions and constant demand for content drive online discourse.
Although she finds the trend irritating, she believes artists must adapt to the realities of modern media and continue focusing on their work. (PTI)
