Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela has found herself embroiled in a heated controversy at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, but the Sanam Re star is not one to stay silent. After being accused by the anonymous fashion critic page Diet Sabya of blocking a hotel staircase during a photoshoot, Urvashi took to Instagram on May 27, 2025, to fiercely deny the allegations, labeling them “cowardly lies” and setting the record straight with a fiery statement.
The controversy erupted when Diet Sabya shared a viral video of Urvashi posing on a grand staircase at her hotel, dressed in an ornate golden gown with dramatic cape sleeves. The clip, captioned “Not the first lady blocking everyone’s way for her photo op,” appeared to show Urvashi obstructing the path, leaving other guests waiting awkwardly behind her.
The post sparked significant backlash on social media, with many netizens criticizing her for what they perceived as a lack of courtesy. Some even called her actions rude, arguing that her behavior inconvenienced others for the sake of a photo opportunity.
In her Instagram statement, Urvashi firmly denied the accusations, clarifying that her team had secured full permission for the photoshoot on a designated staircase, adhering strictly to Cannes Film Festival regulations. She emphasized her respect for the prestigious event, stating, “My team secured full permission for a photoshoot on a designated staircase, as did others, in strict adherence to every rule of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, which I honor with unwavering respect.” Urvashi didn’t hold back in her criticism of Diet Sabya, calling the page “a cheap imitation of Diet Prada” that “lacks even an ounce of originality” and thrives on “venomous attacks against hardworking outsiders who dare to shine.”
Her statement, however, has drawn mixed reactions. While some fans praised her for standing up to online trolling, others found her response arrogant and unnecessarily confrontational. Critics pointed out that her bold claims, such as “My charisma, forged through relentless dedication and international acclaim, remains untouchable” and “No one can dim the light of Urvashi Rautela, a force that leads and inspires,” came across as self-aggrandizing and dismissive of the concerns raised.
Many felt her tone was rude, particularly her accusation that Diet Sabya was a “paid troll” and her call to “dismiss their envious slander,” which some netizens described as an over-the-top reaction that only fueled the controversy further.
Adding fuel to the fire, Diet Sabya responded with sarcasm, reposting Urvashi’s statement on their Instagram Story with a laughing meme and a mocking caption: “Charisma. Uniqueness. Nerve. Talent. Global. Superstar. Pride. Fans. First Woman. Triple Miss Universe. Dubai Visa, etc.” The page also shared a satirical apology video, escalating the online spat.
This isn’t Urvashi’s first brush with controversy at Cannes 2025. Her earlier appearances, including a colorful gown paired with a $5,495 parrot-shaped clutch by Judith Leiber and a sheer black dress that appeared torn, had already sparked debates about her bold fashion choices. A separate incident where she was reportedly ushered off the red carpet for posing too long also drew attention, with some netizens joking that she was “hogging the red carpet.”
Despite the trolling, Urvashi remains unapologetic, asserting that her actions were within the rules and accusing Diet Sabya of targeting “those, like me, who elevate India’s pride on the global stage.” She urged her followers to block and report the page, emphasizing her resolve with the hashtag #paidtrolls.
As the Cannes Film Festival 2025 continues to make headlines, Urvashi Rautela’s clash with Diet Sabya has sparked a broader conversation about celebrity behavior, social media callouts, and the pressures of maintaining a public image. Whether you see her as a bold trailblazer or an attention-seeking diva, one thing is clear: Urvashi Rautela knows how to keep the spotlight firmly on her.
