Kiara Advani’s Accent at Cannes Sparks Controversy, Fans Urge Indian Pride

At the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, Indian celebrities continue to make their mark, from Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai to businesswoman Namita Thapar. The latest addition to this illustrious group is Kiara Advani, who was recently honored at the Women In Cinema Gala.

The gala, hosted by the Red Sea International Film Festival and Vanity Fair Europe on May 18, 2024, saw the ‘Kabir Singh’ star as one of six women felicitated. Kiara looked stunning in an off-shoulder pink and black gown adorned with a bow at the back and black lace gloves. An ornate neckpiece and ring complemented her high bun and signature smile, making her a vision of elegance as she posed for the cameras.

However, her presence at Cannes wasn’t without controversy. Netizens took to social media to criticize Kiara’s accent during her interviews, labeling it as ‘fake’ and urging her to embrace her Indian identity. Comments like, “Why doesn’t she just speak in an Indian accent?” and “Just feel proud of our Indian accent. It’s not bad. Accept it. Own it. Speak from your heart always,” flooded platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter).

Despite the backlash, Kiara’s appearance at Cannes highlights the growing influence of Indian cinema on the global stage. Joining her in the coming days are Aditi Rao Hydari, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Sobhita Dhulipala, who are also expected to grace the red carpet. The Cannes Film Festival is set to conclude on May 25, 2024, celebrating international cinema and its stars.