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Alia Bhatt, one of Bollywood’s leading stars, has broken her silence on the relentless criticism she faces every day over her appearance and mannerisms. In an Instagram story, she addressed rumours and clickbait articles that went viral, claiming she has undergone ‘botched’ botox procedures, because of which half of her face is ‘paralysed’.

Bhatt expressed her frustration over the damaging nature of such speculations and the hypercritical lens through which women are constantly scrutinised, even by other women.

“Absolutely no judgement towards anyone who chooses cosmetic corrections or surgery — your body, your choice. But wow, this is beyond ridiculous!” she wrote. “To the random video floating around literally claiming I’ve had botox gone wrong (and to the numerous clickbait articles) — I have a ‘crooked smile’ and a ‘weird way of speaking,’ according to YOU,” she said.

“This is your hypercritical, microscopic judgement of a human face. And now you’re confidently tossing around ‘scientific’ explanations, claiming I’m paralysed on one side? Are you kidding me?” she went on, voicing her concern about how these judgements perpetuate unattainable beauty standards.

“These are serious claims being casually thrown out there with zero proof, no confirmation, and nothing to back it up. What’s worse, you’re influencing young, impressionable minds who might actually believe this garbage. Why are you saying this? For clickbait? Attention? Because none of it makes sense.”

Bhatt asked everyone to take a minute to address the “absurd lens through which women are judged and objectified on the internet” for their faces, bodies, and personal lives, even their “bumps are up for critique.”

“We should be celebrating individuality, not tearing it apart under a microscope,” she said. “These types of judgements perpetuate unrealistic standards, making people feel like they’re never ‘enough’. It’s damaging, and it’s exhausting and the saddest part? A lot of this judgement comes from other women. Whatever happened to ‘live and let live’?” she asked.

Bhatt’s comments come at a time when a broader conversation is being had on mental health and self-image in the age of social media, where every detail of a celebrity’s life is scrutinised.

For your information (Botox edition)

Many assume botox, a popular cosmetic treatment, can lead to paralysis — a belief that fuels the kind of rumours Bhatt addressed. But what does science say?

What is botox?

Botox is a neurotoxin that temporarily paralyses a muscle preventing it from contracting. Fillers, on the other hand, help reduce facial wrinkles and folds (such as smile lines), contour the body (such as reducing the appearance of a double chin) and restore facial volume to the areas of the face that, with age, tend to lose volume (like the cheeks and lips).

Does botox cause permanent paralysis?

Botox treatments do not cause permanent paralysis, as the effects generally wear off within three to four months when treated muscles regain their function. However, improper injections or high doses can trigger temporary issues such as drooping eyelids, asymmetry, or even difficulty swallowing. In rare cases, these side effects may last several months, but they are reversible with time and care.

A 2020 review found that serious complications are uncommon for cosmetic use, though mishandled or counterfeit botox carries higher risks. For example, a 2024 CDC report warned of botulism cases linked to counterfeit botox, with 22 women experiencing harmful reactions, including blurry vision, muscle weakness, and breathing difficulties. While long-term paralysis is unlikely, repeated injections over several years can result in subtle, lasting changes to muscle composition, making it harder for patients to flex their facial muscles.

Cosmetic procedures and paralysis rumours

Persistent rumours about half-face paralysis after botox often stem from misinformation. Although botox weakens facial muscles temporarily, it cannot cause permanent paralysis. A 2022 review indicated that regular botox users may experience long-term changes in muscle function, such as weakened muscles, which can impact facial expressions. However, these changes are the result of muscle inactivity rather than paralysis.

Additionally, there is some concern that botulinum toxin might spread beyond the injection site. Research from 2015 showed the toxin travelling along nerve cells in rats, although the concentrations used were far higher than what humans receive. Experts like Frederic Meunier note that it is highly unlikely such spread would occur at clinical doses.