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Cannes 2026: Alia Bhatt Fronts L’Oréal’s India Lineup as Row Grows Over Aishwarya Rai’s Absence From Key Video

A L’Oréal post featuring Hotel Martinez posters without Aishwarya Rai has sharpened questions about who the brand is pushing this year.

Overview

  • Opening day on Tuesday, Alia Bhatt made a high-profile return for L’Oréal with a hand‑painted daytime gown at the Hôtel Martinez and a blush Tamara Ralph look on the red carpet.
  • L’Oréal’s May 10 video of the Hotel Martinez facade highlighted stars including Alia Bhatt but did not show Aishwarya Rai, prompting fans to accuse the brand of sidelining a long-time ambassador.
  • The company says Alia Bhatt, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Aditi Rao Hydari are its Indian ambassadors at this year’s festival, and reports indicate Aishwarya is expected to attend.
  • A viral clip from Tuesday’s carpet appeared to show international photographers focusing elsewhere as Alia posed, sparking mixed reactions from Indian viewers online.
  • The Martinez facade is prized campaign space during Cannes, so who appears on those giant posters often drives public perception of a brand’s priorities.