The backlash isn't about her playing an 18. The real reason is that audience is done having her pushed as female superstar when she isn't even a decent actor.
Alia's PR is smart, they bring up the age issue to deflect attention from criticism of her pathetic acting
Alia Bhatt went to The Kapil Sharma Show. All guests were given coffee, but Alia asked for black tea separately.
The staff gave her black tea.
Alia Bhatt: Did you add sugar? 😳
Staff: Yes, a pinch of sugar added.
She returned the black tea and said Sugar is not good for health. Have sugar in the form of fruits only.
The same Alia Bhatt promotes Sunfeast Dark Fantasy Coffee Fills Cookies, which have 35+ grams of total sugar per 100 grams.