Alia Bhatt, one of India’s most acclaimed actresses, has spoken candidly about the intense social media scrutiny she faced over remarks concerning her lipstick use and her husband, Ranbir Kapoor’s personal preferences. The Alia Bhatt lipstick trolling controversy began in 2023, after Alia shared that Ranbir, her husband, preferred her natural look over lipstick, which quickly drew criticism and became a viral debate online.
During a recent interview with Grazia, Alia reflected on the criticism and explained she is unwilling to present a false image of herself to the public. She acknowledged the heavy responsibility that comes with being a prominent personality, noting that it’s normal for people in the spotlight to speak candidly at times. Alia described the mounting pressure on public figures, particularly women, to appear flawless, and emphasized her desire to celebrate her imperfections.
“I’m not going to try to project something that I’m not. There’s a responsibility as a public personality, but sometimes in the flow, you say things, which is okay. One of the things I said in my speech for the Time 100 Impact Award was that I was winning an award, but I wanted to celebrate my flaws because I think there is too much pressure to be unflawed today.”
– Alia Bhatt, Actress
Standing Strong Amid Criticism and Personal Attacks
The original spark for the backlash stemmed from an interview in which Alia detailed her makeup routine and mentioned that Ranbir Kapoor, her then-boyfriend and now husband, liked her natural lip color more than when she wore lipstick. She revealed that she sometimes wiped her lipstick off in response to his comments, which led to widespread outrage. Ranbir was branded a ‘red flag’ by critics, who accused him of dictating her appearance, and both he and Alia were subjected to ongoing online trolling.
The incident became deeply personal for both stars. While Ranbir Kapoor remained largely indifferent to the escalation, Alia Bhatt found herself defending her husband against the criticism. She later appeared on “Koffee With Karan” to clarify that Ranbir’s comments had been misrepresented online, and she was pained by the misperception that he was unsupportive. Alia explained that public perception is outside her control, and this realization offered her a sense of acceptance and relief. She also expressed gratitude for Ranbir’s support, especially in encouraging her to focus on her work instead of negative commentary circulating about her private life.
“I don’t have all my ducks lined in a row and I don’t have all the right answers – I don’t have a lot of what you call behavioural finesse, but I’m okay with that – That’s who I am. If I’m pretending to be anything other than that, it’s not who I am.”
– Alia Bhatt, Actress
The Ongoing Impact of Social Media Trolling
As Alia’s comments and the subsequent reactions continued to gain traction, the trolling campaign against Ranbir Kapoor did not subside easily. The debate raged on social platforms, intensifying due to Ranbir’s previous public relationships and his prominence in the film industry. Throughout the ongoing public discourse, Alia Bhatt maintained her position, reiterating in interviews that her remarks were blown out of proportion. She accepted that sometimes things said in passing could be misinterpreted on a grand scale, especially in an era of persistent online speculation and opinion.
Supporters of Ranbir, including several netizens and notable figures, stepped in to defend him, counteracting the label of ‘toxic’ that some users attached to his persona following the lipstick remark. Alia acknowledged the emotionally charged responses from both fans and critics, stating that while such reactions could be hurtful, they are a part of living life in the public eye.
The controversy highlighted the influence social media users can have on a celebrity’s personal life and public reputation, making it clear that even offhand personal observations can fuel widespread controversy and lead to passionate, ongoing debates online.
Public Figures Navigating Mistakes in the Digital Age
Alia Bhatt’s reflections on the Alia Bhatt lipstick trolling controversy opened up conversations about authenticity and vulnerability for figures in the spotlight. She stressed the importance of embracing one’s limitations and flaws, mentioning she is comfortable being seen as imperfect, and she hopes this attitude will resonate with others who feel pressure to always appear ‘put together.’ Alia urged people to recognize the humanity behind public personalities, reminding audiences that even celebrities are susceptible to making spontaneous, unscripted remarks.
Through her openness, she exposed the burden that intense public scrutiny places on personalities in the Indian film industry. She also pointed out that maintaining a positive outlook amid negativity is essential, especially as criticism can quickly escalate online and take deeply personal forms.
In light of the trolling, Alia Bhatt has reinforced her commitment to honesty, both in her public statements and in her relationship with her fans. She credited her husband Ranbir Kapoor with helping her refocus, asserting that his encouragement plays a vital role in helping her manage her mental well-being and career progress in the face of targeted hostility.
The Broader Significance and Future Implications
The Alia Bhatt lipstick trolling controversy serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those in the public eye, particularly in developing their own authentic voices. For celebrities like Alia and Ranbir, each remark is subject to intense analysis by social media users, netizens, and the public at large. The episode also demonstrates how a minor personal admission can ignite far-reaching debates about autonomy, relationships, and gender expectations within Indian society.
Looking ahead, the reactions to Alia’s and Ranbir’s experience may prompt greater awareness about the effects of collective online criticism. It may encourage open discussions on how public figures are held to high—and sometimes unrealistic—standards, as well as the personal repercussions of such scrutiny. Alia Bhatt’s refusal to conform to external expectations, and her willingness to confront public misinterpretations, may inspire others in similar positions to stand firm in their own sense of identity.
The controversy also underscores the responsibility that comes with social media, not only for celebrities but for the audiences and social media users who shape and spread narratives. As the film industry and celebrities adapt to increased direct communication with their fans—and sometimes critics—these episodes are likely to influence how public personalities approach openness, vulnerability, and boundary-setting with their audiences in the digital era.
By choosing authenticity over carefully curated perfection, Alia Bhatt continues to influence the conversation about mental health, self-acceptance, and resilience in the face of criticism, reinforcing her standing not just as a celebrated actress, but also as a relatable figure navigating the challenges of twenty-first-century fame.
