Bollywood BAD DRESS AT WIMBLEDON |Janhvi’s INAPPROPRIATE DRESS| ANUSHKA TROLLED for her LOOKS

In 2025, the world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis championship—Wimbledon—found itself in an unexpected spotlight. Not because of an upset victory or a record-breaking performance on Centre Court, but because the event was suddenly swarming with Bollywood celebrities, social media influencers, and fashion-forward personalities who appeared to have little or no connection with the sport of tennis.

Traditionally, Wimbledon has been synonymous with elite sportsmanship, understated elegance, and strict traditions—from its all-white dress code for players to its historic royal boxes. Over the years, it has been graced by British royalty, tennis legends, and the occasional appearance by Hollywood stars who had a genuine interest in the sport. But this year, the red carpet aura seemed to overshadow the green grass.

Many Indian celebrities made headlines for their appearance at the tournament. What caught public attention, however, was not merely their presence, but the way they treated Wimbledon more like a fashion runway than a sports arena. This sparked a wave of criticism on social media, where several users questioned whether these influencers even understood tennis or had watched a full match in their lives.

Among the most talked-about attendees was actress Janhvi Kapoor, who attended the tournament with her rumored boyfriend Shikhar Pahariya. Janhvi’s outfit—a deep neckline dress—drew criticism for being too revealing and inappropriate for a sports event that typically encourages smart and respectful attire. Many pointed out that even Western celebrities at Wimbledon tend to opt for more conservative, elegant clothing such as tailored suits or modest dresses. Her look was viewed by some as more fitting for the Met Gala than for a tennis match, prompting comments that Wimbledon was turning into “Bollywood’s Cannes.”

Meanwhile, another influencer, Avneet Kaur, was seen wearing a mini skirt and an off-shoulder top, again leading to discussions around whether attendees were truly respecting the cultural essence of Wimbledon. Critics claimed that Avneet, like many others, was there not out of a love for the game but for photo opportunities and brand exposure. Despite tagging several luxury brands in her posts, she currently has no official partnerships, suggesting she might have attended in hopes of catching the eye of global labels.

Actor Jacqueline Fernandez was another notable attendee, dressed in a trendy blazer and vest set. While her outfit was more in line with the Wimbledon aesthetic, the intention behind her presence was still debated. Likewise, Urvashi Rautela’s choice of attire—a white dress accessorized with not one, but four doll-like accessories attached to her handbag—raised eyebrows for being attention-seeking rather than tasteful. Critics questioned whether such exaggerated fashion statements were suitable for a venue that values tradition over spectacle.

On the other hand, some Indian celebrities did strike the right balance. Priyanka Chopra, who attended with husband Nick Jonas, wore an elegant white dress with minimal jewelry. As a global brand ambassador for Bvlgari, her appearance was clearly strategic but also tasteful. Preity Zinta, dressed in a formal polka dot outfit, was also appreciated for her polished look. Sonam Kapoor, long known for her fashion-forward thinking, was praised for sticking to the tone of the event by choosing a well-fitted formal suit while attending with her husband Anand Ahuja.

Perhaps the most surprising—and widely respected—appearance came from veteran actress Neena Gupta, who wore a traditional Indian sari. While some praised her for proudly representing Indian culture on a global stage, others felt a sari might not align with the Western dress code Wimbledon implicitly encourages. Nonetheless, Gupta’s dignified presence reminded many that fashion can be expressive without being loud.

Anushka Sharma also drew attention at this year’s Wimbledon, albeit for a different reason. Attending alongside her husband and cricketer Virat Kohli, she was criticized online for her appearance, particularly her face. Social media users compared her present look to photos from 10 years ago, commenting that she looked “older” and questioning whether she had aged “too fast.” This led to a broader discussion about ageism and unrealistic beauty standards for women in the public eye. Many came to her defense, pointing out that Anushka is 37 and a mother of two—aging naturally should not be a cause for trolling. The criticism seemed particularly unfair considering male actors in their 50s and 60s routinely romance actresses half their age on screen without facing similar scrutiny.

Interestingly, Anushka and Virat are no strangers to Wimbledon. They had previously attended the championship in 2015 during their dating years, making their presence in 2025 a nostalgic return. For Virat, as a professional sportsman and someone known to be friends with tennis legends, attending Wimbledon is not surprising. The same can be said for Indian cricket icons like Sachin Tendulkar, M.S. Dhoni, and Suryakumar Yadav, who have all attended the tournament in recent years. Their presence aligns with the spirit of the event—they are, after all, athletes paying homage to another sport.

So what’s driving this surge of Indian celebrities and influencers to Wimbledon? The answer lies in marketing, branding, and global visibility. Wimbledon is no longer just a tennis tournament; it has quietly evolved into a high-profile networking opportunity. Much like the Cannes Film Festival, which has transitioned from a film-centric celebration to a global branding event, Wimbledon too is being leveraged as a platform to showcase style, visibility, and brand association.

Being seen at Wimbledon, especially in the Royal Box or the VIP lounges, can translate into millions of views on social media, international press coverage, and potentially lucrative endorsement deals. For celebrities and influencers, it’s not just about watching a match—it’s about placing themselves in front of global luxury brands that are eager to penetrate emerging markets like India. With India projected to become a $5 trillion economy by 2027, international brands are increasingly seeking Indian faces that resonate with global audiences. A perfectly angled photograph at Wimbledon can become a gateway to campaigns, fashion collaborations, and global partnerships.

Priyanka Chopra, for instance, wore Bvlgari jewelry during her Wimbledon appearance, subtly fulfilling her role as their brand ambassador. Janhvi Kapoor’s dress came from the fashion label Miu Miu, with whom she has collaborated in the past. Even if some attendees currently have no official partnerships, their attendance might be part of a broader strategy to build global appeal and establish future collaborations.

This blending of sport and spectacle, however, raises difficult questions. Is it wrong for celebrities to use a sporting event for self-promotion? Should traditional spaces like Wimbledon adapt to changing times, or should they retain their conservative charm? While some argue that visibility for Indian celebrities on international platforms is a mark of cultural soft power, others worry that the core essence of the event is being diluted in the pursuit of vanity and virality.

As the debate continues, one thing is clear—Wimbledon is no longer just about tennis. It has become a cultural touchpoint, a stage where heritage meets high fashion, where the thwack of a tennis ball is matched by the clicks of cameras, and where the lines between athlete, ambassador, and influencer continue to blur.

Whether this evolution is for better or worse depends on whom you ask. But as more and more celebrities choose to swap the Cannes red carpet for the Wimbledon lawn, the All England Club must reckon with the reality that tradition is slowly giving way to trend—and perhaps, that’s the game now.

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