Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ Actor Madhuri Dixit has strongly criticized the online trolling and body-shaming aimed at Aishwarya Rai Bachchan following her appearance at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. Speaking about the issue, Madhuri said it is unfair to judge a woman’s worth based on her appearance when her achievements and contributions speak for themselves. In a recent conversation, Madhuri praised Aishwarya for representing India on the international stage for more than two decades. She highlighted the actor’s accomplishments, describing her as a global icon whose legacy extends far beyond physical appearance.
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According to Madhuri, reducing someone like Aishwarya to discussions about weight, age, or dress size ignores everything she has achieved throughout her career. She pointed out that the former Miss World has consistently made India proud through her work in cinema and her presence at major international events. Madhuri added that while Aishwarya remains beautiful on the outside, her true beauty lies in her character, achievements, and the respect she has earned worldwide. Aishwarya, who has attended the Cannes Film Festival regularly since 2002, recently became the target of social media criticism after photos and videos from this year’s event circulated online. Many users focused on her appearance rather than celebrating her long-standing contribution to Indian cinema and global representation.
Madhuri, who shared screen space with Aishwarya in the acclaimed film Devdas, expressed concern about the message such comments send to younger generations. ‘Society should inspire young people to appreciate talent, hard work and achievements, instead of just judging people by their appearance,’ she said. The veteran actor also reflected on how social media has transformed the way opinions are expressed. Critical voices have always been there, but now with digital platforms, people have the option to express their views instantly and publicly, she said. What once remained private can now spread across the internet within seconds.
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Madhuri said the entertainment industry has always been under the scanner. Film reviews and opinions of viewers were common even before the advent of social media, but the digital age has accelerated the process manifold. Online platforms always need new content, and this leads to conversations and judgements on almost every aspect of a celebrity’s life, she said. Madhuri acknowledged that it can be tough for artists to deal with such constant attention, but she said it is part of modern life. Instead of fighting against it, performers need to learn to adapt to the changing environment and keep their focus on their work, she said. Madhuri will next appear in the Netflix dark comedy Maa Behen, which releases on June 4.
