Alia Bhatt Dazzles at Cannes 2026: A Modern Maharani in Vintage Glamour

Alia Bhatt made a striking return to the Cannes Film Festival in 2026, showcasing two stunning outfits that captured the essence of a fairytale. Embracing vintage style on the third day, she evoked the image of a modern Maharani. In an insightful interview, Alia discussed the need for more gender-neutral narratives in cinema, highlighting the success of women-led films in the West. As she prepares to promote her upcoming projects, including the female-led spy thriller Alpha, Alia continues to make waves in the film industry. Read on to explore her fashion choices and thoughts on representation in cinema.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 13, 2026, 17:20 IST

Alia Bhatt's Enchanting Return to Cannes

Alia Bhatt graced the Cannes Film Festival once again this year, captivating audiences on the festival's opening day with two breathtaking outfits that seemed to emerge from a fairytale. Representing India for L’Oréal Paris, her first look featured a hand-painted ballroom gown inspired by the Riviera. The second outfit was a peach creation by Tamara Ralph, elegantly paired with a Scandinavian scarf. Just before heading out for another day at the festival, the Bollywood actress shared a glimpse from her hotel room on her Instagram Story.

Vintage Elegance on Day Three

Alia Bhatt reimagines vintage style

On the third day of Cannes 2026, Alia embraced a vintage aesthetic, donning a pastel saree-inspired gown that evoked the essence of a modern desi Maharani. To enhance her look, she carried a sun umbrella and accessorized with striking earrings and a bindi.

On the second day, Alia was seen at the Bharat Pavilion, where she greeted an official with a warm namaste. Her vintage Indian attire sparked discussions online, with many comparing her look to the popular Netflix series, Bridgerton, and dubbing her a 'modern Maharani.'

Alia Bhatt Discusses Gender Representation in Cinema

Alia Bhatt on male-centric cinema

During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India at the festival, Alia expressed her thoughts on the predominance of male-centric narratives in Indian cinema. She pointed out that films led by women in the West have seen remarkable box office success, citing examples like Barbie and The Devil Wears Prada 2. Alia emphasized that while 75% of moviegoers in India are male, it raises questions about the representation of women in films. She stated, “If we focus solely on men, what happens to the women?” Alia clarified that her aim is not to exclude male audiences but to advocate for stories that resonate with all genders. “Why can’t we create films that are gender-neutral, where storytelling takes precedence?” she added.

Upcoming Projects for Alia Bhatt

Alia Bhatt's future projects

Having made her Cannes debut in 2025, Alia is set to promote her upcoming film, Alpha, after the festival. This film, featuring co-stars Sharvari, Bobby Deol, and Anil Kapoor, marks Yash Raj Films' first female-led spy thriller, scheduled for a July release. Following Alpha, her period romantic drama, Love And War, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and co-starring Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal, is expected to hit theaters in January 2027.