Lately, celebrities have not only been extending heartfelt wishes on social media for ongoing festivals such as Makar Sankranti, Pongal and Bihu, but have also been advising fans and followers on the do's and don'ts associated with these celebrations.
While the vibrant kite festival is celebrated in many parts of Mumbai and Gujarat, Alia Bhatt found herself at the centre of a controversy after she extended Makar Sankranti, which was on January 14, 2026. It so happened that she raised awareness about how careless kite flying can be harmful to birds. However, the actor soon drew criticism for sharing her views.
Netizens called out Alia for being a hypocrate, stating that on one hand, she advocates for the safety of birds affected by kite flying, while on the other, she is often seen wearing leather outfits and carrying bags made from animal skin.
Several users questioned whether concern for animals applies only when it does not interfere with brand endorsement choices. For the unversed, Alia Bhatt is an international brand Gucci's brand ambasddor whoch alleged to use animal and leather skin for its high-end products.
Alia's post was widely shared and discussed on Reddit as well.
A netizen wrote, "Isn't she the brand ambassador of Gucci. Where does that exotic leather come from madam?"
Another Redditor wrote, "Don't fly kites, burst crackers, play holi, but please fly private and use leather bags."
Alia shares how birds lose their lives in Makar Sankranti but forgets she is brand ambassador of Gucci whose majority of products is made out of high quality leather ? pic.twitter.com/BMueU44zjP
— nysa (@chalkalaana) January 14, 2026
"I mean, the message itself isn't wrong, manja does kill birds. but yeah, coming from someone who probably hasn't thought twice about leather and all that, it's hard to take seriously. Classic Bollywood activism - surface level only," said another netizen.
Concerned about Kite's maanja affecting birds on Makar Sankranti and promoting leather bags herself? ?
— Keh Ke Peheno (@coolfunnytshirt) January 15, 2026
Alia Bhatt is the typical leftist/islamist anti-hindu festival "activist"? pic.twitter.com/NRMjlNuinr
About Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti, one of the first festivals of the year, brings with it immense communal joy. The celebration is often marked by ceremonious kite flying across most parts of the country. While this traditional practice is cherished by many, its harmful impact on the environment cannot be ignored, particularly due to the use of manja in kite flying.
Around the festival, social media users have been actively spreading awareness on how to protect oneself, as well as animals and birds that often get entangled in glass-coated nylon manja, leading to serious injuries or even death.
However, after being called out by netizens over claims that thousands of birds die during the festival, Alia Bhatt reportedly deleted her post shortly after sharing it. By then, screenshots of the post had already surfaced and were widely circulated across social media platforms.
For the unversed, Alia Bhatt became the first Indian global brand ambassador of Gucci in 2023.
Work front
Alia will next be seen in YRF's spy actioner Alpha and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love and War alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal.
