Alia Bhatt Brings a Touch of Hindi and Heart to the BAFTAs
At BAFTA 2026, Alia Bhatt celebrates her Indian roots with a graceful “Namaskar” — turning a global moment into something uniquely hers.
A Proud Indian Moment on the Global Stage
When Alia Bhatt said “Namaskar” on the BAFTA stage, the world smiled. Making her debut as a presenter at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA 2026) on February 22 at London’s Royal Festival Hall, the actor didn’t just represent Indian cinema — she celebrated it with simplicity and pride.
Invited to announce the award for Best Film Not in the English Language, Alia opened her segment in Hindi: “Agla award ek aisi film ke liye hai, jo angrezi mein nahi hai.” Then, with her signature charm, she switched to English:
“Don’t reach for the subtitles just yet. I was only saying in Hindi that the next award is for a film not in the English language.”
The audience laughed, and within minutes, social media lit up with clips of the moment that quickly went viral.
Speaking the Language of Cinema
It wasn’t just what she said — it was how she said it. Alia highlighted the universality of film, adding,
“While films speak in countless voices, what we always celebrate is the language of cinema — and that one we all speak fluently.”
That one line summed up the essence of the night — diversity, inclusion, and a shared love for storytelling that transcends words.
Fans Celebrate Alia’s Confident Cultural Touch
Her short Hindi greeting became one of the most talked-about moments from the ceremony. Fans flooded social media with praise, calling it “authentic,” “iconic,” and a “proud moment for Indian cinema.” For many, it wasn’t just about Hindi — it was about seeing an Indian artist confidently carry her culture to the global stage.
A Red Carpet to Remember
Adding to the buzz, Alia dazzled on the red carpet in a custom silver Gucci gown reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe’s old-Hollywood glamour. It was a perfect blend of international elegance and effortless confidence — completing her standout BAFTA debut.
While the Best Film Not in the English Language award went to Norway’s Sentimental Value, Alia’s poised, heartfelt presentation proved that representation doesn’t always need grand gestures. Sometimes, a simple “Namaskar” can say it all.
CitiTimes 