Why People Started Hating Alia Bhatt?

Alia Bhatt, one of Bollywood’s most successful actresses, has been at the center of both acclaim and controversy. Despite delivering critically acclaimed performances in films like Highway, Raazi, and Gangubai Kathiawadi, she remains one of the most trolled celebrities in India. From accusations of nepotism to role-stealing allegations, her career has been marred by persistent online hate.

This article explores the reasons behind the public’s polarizing perception of Alia Bhatt, examining her career trajectory, controversies, and the broader implications of nepotism in Bollywood.

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1. Debut in *Student of the Year* and the Nepotism Debate

Alia Bhatt made her acting debut in Karan Johar’s *Student of the Year* (2012) alongside fellow star kids Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra. The film, while commercially successful, was widely criticized for its unrealistic portrayal of elite school life and became symbolic of Bollywood’s nepotism problem.

Public Perception Issues:
– Many believed Alia got the role only because of her father, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt.
– Her performance was criticized for being overly dramatic and awkward, particularly in romantic and emotional scenes.
– The film solidified her as a “privileged insider,” sparking resentment among those who felt she didn’t earn her place through merit.

The Koffee with Karan episode featuring Alia, Varun, and Sidharth further fueled the backlash when a clip of her struggling to name India’s President went viral. Memes labeling her “Alia Bhatt is dumb” trended, cementing an early negative image.

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2. Association with Karan Johar & Nepotism Allegations

Karan Johar, a powerful Bollywood producer and director, has been a key mentor to Alia, often casting her in prominent roles. Critics argue that his influence has unfairly fast-tracked her career.

Key Controversies:
– Role Favoritism: Reports claim she was prioritized over better-suited actors in films like Dear Zindagi (originally written for Katrina Kaif) and Udta Punjab (where Parineeti Chopra was allegedly replaced).
– Conflict with Outside Talent: Filmmakers like Vasan Bala (of Jigra) expressed frustration when their scripts were directly sent to Alia without proper casting discussions.
– Perceived Lack of Struggle: Unlike outsiders who battle for years, Alia’s smooth rise reinforced the notion that Bollywood’s elite control opportunities.

This association led to the hashtag #NepotismInBollywood trending, with Alia frequently targeted as a prime example.

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3. The Sushant Singh Rajput Controversy & Public Backlash

After Sushant Singh Rajput’s tragic death in 2020, Bollywood’s nepotism culture came under fire. Many blamed powerful insiders—including Alia—for allegedly sidelining outsiders.

Why Was Alia Targeted?
– Resurfaced Clip: An old Koffee with Karan* snippet showed her saying she wanted to “kill” Sushant (spoken in jest during a rapid-fire segment), which was misconstrued.
– Industry Politics: She was allegedly in line for *Raabta* (later rejected), leading to rumors of her influencing casting decisions against him.
– Link to Karan Johar: Many accused Johar of orchestrating a boycott against Sushant, further implicating Alia.

While no concrete evidence tied her to Sushant’s death, public anger amplified, with trolls branding her “insensitive” and “part of Bollywood’s toxic elite.”

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4. Marriage to Ranbir Kapoor & Pregnancy Scrutiny

Alia’s personal life also invited controversy, particularly her relationship and marriage to Ranbir Kapoor.

Key Points of Criticism:
– Perceived PR Stunt: Many believed their relationship was exaggerated to promote Brahmāstra.
– Pregnancy Timeline: Fans questioned the timing of their daughter’s birth (just seven months after marriage), sparking rumors of a rushed wedding due to pregnancy.
– Hype vs. Reality: While their wedding was grand, public sentiment remained divided, with some accusing them of using personal milestones for professional gain.

Additionally, Alia’s performance in *Brahmāstra* was heavily trolled, with many calling her character “annoying” and poorly written.

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5. Nepotism Allegations Beyond Acting

Beyond films, Alia’s dominance in brand endorsements and media coverage added to the resentment. Critics argue she overshadows equally talented outsiders due to industry connections.

Industry Impact:
– Brand Deals: She is one of the highest-paid celebrities in India, securing lucrative campaigns—often at the expense of less-connected actors.
– Media Bias: Coverage tends to favor star kids, reinforcing the perception of privilege over talent.

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6. Can Alia Overcome the Hate?

Despite the hate, Alia has proven her acting prowess in films like *Gangubai Kathiawadi* and *Darlings*. Her biggest challenge is shifting public perception.

Possible Solutions:
✔ Less Public Visibility: Avoiding overexposure (like Shah Rukh Khan does) could reduce scrutiny.
✔ Role Diversification: Taking on more experimental rather than “safe” roles (e.g., Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani).
✔ Genuine Engagement: Moving away from PR-driven narratives and engaging authentically with fans.

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Conclusion

Alia Bhatt’s career reflects Bollywood’s deep-rooted nepotism problem. While her talent is undeniable, her rapid rise—coupled with controversies—has made her a polarizing figure. Whether she can transcend the hate depends on her ability to redefine her public image beyond her privileged background.

The bigger question remains: *Will Bollywood ever truly become a meritocracy, or will star kids always dominate?* Until then, the debate around Alia Bhatt will persist.

What’s your take—does Alia deserve the hate, or is she unfairly targeted? Let us know in the comments!

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