Cannes Debutante Sushmiita Siingh Defends Alia Bhatt: Media Didn't Ignore, It's How We Perceive Things | EXCL

Indian

celebrities representing our cinema on the global platform at the Cannes Film Festival 2026. Bombay Stories, directed by Rahhat Shah Kazmi, premiered at the festival. The cast of the film, Mouni Roy, Sushmiita Siingh and Anupria Goenka walked the red carpet. After returning from the Cannes Film Festival 2026, Sushmiita spoke to Zoom exclusively about the controversies that engulfed the prestigious ceremony from India’s perspective. Defending Alia Bhatt against trolls and constant bullying, the actress urged people to support those who are representing the country globally. She added that it is important to show empathy towards Alia.

Sushmiita Siingh defends Alia Bhatt against trolls

In an exclusive interview with Zoom, Sushmiita said, “We should definitely be more empathetic as it’s not easy to be representing your country and Indian cinema on a global platform like Cannes. Alia Bhatt represented beautifully with a lot of grace, and I don’t think the media ignored her. It’s just how we perceive things, and we like to create a drama of everything.”

She added, “The last thing you should do is be a crab and pull down our own artistes who are trying to be better every day and trying to do good. It’s easy to talk, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea to be standing on a global stage and representing your country’s cinema.”

Sushmiita Siingh on Cannes favouring content creators over actors

Sushmiita further disclosed whether content creators from India were favoured and given more limelight than actors. “I have nothing against the content creators, but definitely Cannes is a festival where films are celebrated, and the fact that it has been neglected for quite a few years now feels a little sad. I wish we celebrated more cinema and the hard work that everyone puts into bringing a film to life. Everyone is welcome to be a part of the festival, but we should not forget why we are here, and that is art.”

About Bombay Stories

Bombay Stories is inspired by Saadat Hasan Manto's celebrated short story Hatak and explores the lives of sex workers in 1930s Mumbai through a satirical lens. Revealing the response the film received at the premiere, Sushmiita shared, “I saw myself for the first time on the biggest screen and especially sitting at Cannes, where the world cinema celebrated. I had women coming to me, crying, trying to tell me how they were moved by my character and for someone who is experiencing this for the first time, I don’t think this can ever be compared to anything else in my life. It’s a special feeling when the audience resonates with your character and appreciates; there’s nothing bigger than that.”Before making it into cinema, Sushmiita got fame as Miss Teen World 2019 and Miss India 2022. Bombay Stories is her acting debut.