Alia Bhatt postpones Cannes debut amidst India-Pak tensions

Alia Bhatt, who was supposed to make her debut at the opening day of the Cannes Film Festival on May 13, seems to have postponed her visit amidst the tension between India and Pakistan.

The actor was expected to be at the French Riviera in her role as a Global Ambassador for L'Oreal Paris.

A source told India Today, “Alia took this decision considering the tension at the borders. The Raazi actor did not feel it was right to go to Cannes at such a crucial time.”

“However, that’s not to say that she won’t. Alia’s team is closely following the situation at the border, and if things remain calm, she might look at another date to attend. However, right now she will skip her attendance,” they added.

Alia was scheduled to attend the event as a global ambassador for L’Oréal Paris, joining other international representatives for the brand’s campaign themed “Lights, Beauty and Action”. Speaking about her planned appearance before the postponement, she had said, “It is such an honour to represent L’Oréal Paris at the Festival... To me, beauty is about celebrating individuality, confidence and self-worth.”

The actor recently opened up about her anxieties amidst the tension between the two neighbouring countries. In an Instagram post she wrote, “The last few nights have felt… different. There’s a certain stillness in the air when a nation holds its breath.”

On the work front, Alia is gearing up for Alpha, her entry into YRF’s spy universe, alongside Sharvari. She also has Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War in the pipeline, which also stars her husband, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal.