Shahid Kapoor has broken his silence on the growing controversy surrounding Anupama Chopra‘s claim that a “paid negative campaign” was orchestrated against Alia Bhatt after her appearance at the Cannes Film Festival. The actor, who has shared screen space with Bhatt in films like Shaandaar and Udta Punjab, gave a careful response during a recent interview, urging people not to believe everything they hear unless they see it for themselves.
The conversation took place on The Hollywood Reporter India, where Chopra made a stunning allegation. She claimed that a trusted source, someone “deeply embedded in the business,” told her that the heavy trolling Bhatt faced after her Cannes red carpet appearance was actually part of a paid campaign driven by insecure actors in the industry. Chopra did not name the actor she was referring to, nor did she provide any evidence to support the claim. But her words spread fast across social media, and soon everyone was asking Shahid for his take.
Shahid’s Honest Take: ‘I Take Everything With a Pinch of Salt’
When Chopra brought up the topic and asked Shahid whether actors today are more insecure than ever, the actor did not dismiss the idea outright. He admitted that success and failure in the entertainment industry can make people feel insecure. But he also made it clear that he personally does not accept any such claim at face value.
Shahid said, “I personally never believe anything anybody says unless I am in the room or I saw it myself. I take everything with a pinch of salt and I think that has gone well for me because when people start believing that you are buying what they’re saying, they can manipulate you. We are people of importance and we are in a position, so if people are able to shape our perspective that can be used to create an effect.”
His words carried weight. He was essentially saying that celebrities, because of their influence, are easy targets for manipulation. Blindly believing rumors or unverified claims can be dangerous, both for the person hearing them and for the people being talked about.
The Paid PR Allegation That Sparked the Debate
To understand the full picture, here is what Anupama Chopra actually said during the interview. She recalled being at Cannes and interviewing Alia Bhatt. Over the following days, she watched what she described as “awful, graceless trolling and conversation and negativity” unfold online. Then, a few days before the Shahid interview, someone she trusts completely told her something shocking.
Chopra said, “This is not somebody who’s just like an outsider, but somebody who is deeply embedded in the business, and somebody whom I trust. So, that somebody said that this was actually paid campaigning against her because actors today are so insecure. I said that doesn’t even make any sense. What is happening?”
The allegation suggested that the wave of negative comments, the jokes about Bhatt being ignored by photographers on the red carpet, and the overall harsh online reaction were not entirely organic. According to Chopra’s source, a rival actor had paid for a negative PR push to make Bhatt look bad.
Why Alia Bhatt Was Trolled at Cannes
Alia Bhatt attended the Cannes Film Festival for the second time in May 2026, serving as India’s global ambassador for L’Oreal Paris. While many praised her red carpet looks, a video went viral showing Bhatt posing for photographers while some of them appeared to lower their cameras. The clip led to a flood of comments saying she was “ignored” and did not get recognition at the international level.
Bhatt did not stay quiet. When one user commented on her post saying, “What a pity, no one noticed you,” she replied, “Why pity love? You noticed me.” Several actors, including Sonu Sood, Ameesha Patel, and Aly Goni, came forward to defend her. But the negative chatter did not stop, which is what led Chopra to believe something more deliberate was at play.
Shahid’s Advice: Be Real, Even If You Are Imperfect
Rather than focusing on the accusation itself, Shahid turned the conversation toward a larger issue. He advised actors to stay authentic because audiences can easily tell when someone is pretending. He said, “There was a time when people could manipulate perception of people about themselves, but now that time is over. I feel every artist should know that, even if you are imperfect or insecure, let it show. Let people see who you are. When they feel that you are trying to show them something and you are trying to manipulate them, they get pissed off.”
The actor also acknowledged that negativity is simply part of being famous. He said, “But it is sad these days a lot is said and there is a pressure to handle, it can get to people. I just feel one should be real. It comes with the job. The money and the fame is a part of the job along with the negative aspect. And that’s how life balances itself sometimes, that with all that love can come that much negativity.”
Fans React to Shahid’s Viral Response
The clip of Shahid’s response spread quickly across social media platforms. Many fans praised him for handling a sensitive topic with maturity without pointing fingers or adding fuel to the fire.
One user commented on social media, “Shahid’s reply was so sensible. After a long long time heard a celebrity talking some sense and explaining things as they are without beating around the bush, and without being offensive.”
Another user questioned why Chopra brought up Alia Bhatt during an interview with Shahid in the first place. “Why is Anupama even bringing up Alia during an interview with Shahid? What’s he gotta do with her trolling or as if he cares,” the user wrote.
A third user added, “She brings up Alia in every interview irrespective of who is the actor sitting in front of her.”
Some users also noticed that Shahid did not outright deny the possibility of paid campaigns existing. Instead, he chose to focus on what he knows for sure, which many felt was the smartest way to respond.
Alia Bhatt’s Upcoming Projects
Despite the online noise, Alia Bhatt is moving forward with her work. She is currently preparing for the release of her film Alpha. She is also attached to several other high-profile projects. Her response to the trolling showed that she is not letting the negativity slow her down.
Shahid Kapoor’s Busy Schedule
Meanwhile, Shahid Kapoor is busy promoting his upcoming film Cocktail 2, which also stars Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna. The film is one of the most awaited Bollywood releases of the year. During the same interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Shahid also spoke about how success can be manufactured in the film industry. He said, “If something is terrible, you can’t say it’s very good. I’ve seen people call a film a blockbuster even though people are saying it’s very bad. If you pay for it, even that can be carried in the news today.”
He also criticized the trend of actors calling themselves a “brand,” calling it “psychotic” and “not normal.” He said, “Decide who you want to be and which version of you makes you feel good about yourself in the morning. If you wake up in the morning, look into the mirror, and don’t feel good about yourself, change yourself.”
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The Bigger Picture
The controversy raises an uncomfortable question for Bollywood. Are actors secretly paying to bring down their rivals online? Anupama Chopra clearly believes it is happening, based on what her trusted source told her. But without names or proof, it remains an allegation. Shahid Kapoor’s response offers a way forward. Do not believe rumors. Stay real. And accept that negativity comes with the territory.
For now, neither Anupama Chopra nor Alia Bhatt has released any further statement on the matter. The video of the interview continues to circulate online, keeping the debate alive.
Also Read: Jameel Khan on Gullak Season 5: ‘Parents Are Giving Up a Lot, Kids Must Be Grateful’
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