Exclusive | Alia Bhatt: 'I Still Get Starstruck at Cannes'

At the 2026 edition of the Cannes Film Festival, actor Alia Bhatt opened up about feeling unexpectedly starstruck despite her global fame, revealing a more introverted side to her personality during a candid conversation about meeting cinema icons.

Speaking about interacting with legendary artists at the festival, Bhatt admitted that admiration often leaves her overwhelmed. “Oh yeah, I love getting starstruck! It's a really special feeling. The last time I met Viola Davis.. my hands were shaking. Words weren't coming out; that kind of situation.”

The actor said she continues to feel excited meeting people she deeply respects in the film industry. “I'm excited to meet anybody that is just, you know, amazing in cinema, and has a thing or two to say,” she shared.

Despite being known publicly for her energetic and cheerful persona, Bhatt revealed that she is naturally shy in social situations. “I'm just not good at, you know, having conversations. I feel very shy. Contrary to what people believe that I'm very bubbly and I talk a lot, I'm actually really shy.”

Reflecting on what she hoped to do differently during her Cannes experience this time around, Bhatt said she wanted to engage more authentically with fellow artists rather than approaching interactions formally. “That's why one of the things I said is I want to do this time, is have a conversation with some of them and ask them questions... not like a student, but like just genuinely engage, because that stays with you.”

The actor also explained that while she feels comfortable discussing filmmaking in professional settings, casual gatherings can sometimes feel intimidating. “When it comes to conversations with my directors, those things I can do very easily. But somehow in like a social gathering, I get a little awkward and shy, so I kind of keep to myself.”

Watch the full interview dropping on The Hollywood Reporter India YouTube channel later today