Backlash erupts online after Aishwarya Rai left out of Cannes 2026 campaign video

As the world gears up for the 2026 edition of the Cannes Film Festival, beauty giant L'Oréal Paris has sparked online debate after omitting Aishwarya Rai Bachchan from a promotional video released ahead of the event.

Social media users quickly reacted to the omission, flooding the brand's comments section with questions about why Aishwarya was not featured. Widely regarded as one of the brand’s most recognisable ambassadors at Cannes, she has represented India at the festival for more than three decades.

Following the backlash, L'Oréal Paris confirmed that Aishwarya, Alia Bhatt and Aditi Rao Hydari will represent India at Cannes this year.