‘They Can Manipulate You’: Shahid Kapoor Reacts to ‘Paid Campaign’ Claims Against Alia Bhatt

Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor has weighed in on the growing conversation around online trolling and image manipulation in the entertainment industry after film critic Anupama Chopra suggested that the backlash against Alia Bhatt following her Cannes Film Festival appearance may not have been entirely organic.

The discussion unfolded during a conversation on The Hollywood Reporter India, where Shahid shared his perspective on public perception, rumours, and the pressures celebrities face in the digital age.

While speaking about insecurity within the film industry, Shahid admitted that the highs and lows of fame can deeply affect people. However, he emphasized that he personally avoids forming opinions based purely on hearsay or industry gossip.

“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,” Shahid said during the discussion.

The actor further explained how influence and perception work in show business, noting that celebrities are constantly under public scrutiny and vulnerable to narratives shaped by others.

“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,” Shahid added.

According to Shahid, modern audiences have become smarter and more aware than before. He believes attempts to artificially shape public perception often fail because people can quickly identify when someone is trying too hard to control their image.

“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,” Shahid remarked.

He also reflected on how social media has changed celebrity culture entirely. In his view, authenticity matters more today than carefully crafted public relations strategies.

“There was a time when people could manipulate perception of people about themselves, but now that time is over. Even if you are imperfect or insecure, let it show. Let people see who you are,” he added.

Shahid also acknowledged that fame inevitably comes with criticism and negativity alongside admiration and success.

“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,” the actor stated.

The conversation gained traction after Anupama Chopra recalled interviewing Alia Bhatt during the Cannes Film Festival and later noticing what she described as unusually aggressive criticism directed toward the actress online.

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Chopra claimed that a trusted industry source informed her that the trolling may have been linked to a “paid campaign” driven by professional insecurity within the industry. However, she did not name any individual or provide direct evidence supporting the allegation.

The remarks have since triggered debate across social media, with fans and industry observers discussing the growing role of online narratives, fan wars, and digital reputation management in Bollywood.

Meanwhile, both Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt continue to remain among the most prominent stars in the Hindi film industry, regularly drawing massive public attention for both their professional work and personal lives.