Alia Bhatt delivers Hindi speech at 79th BAFTA, presents Best Non-English Film

Actress Alia Bhatt made a historic debut at the 79th BAFTA Awards in London, delivering her speech in Hindi. She presented the Best Film Not in the English Language award to the Norwegian film 'Sentimental Value'. Additionally, Farhan Akhtar's production 'Boong' won in the Children and Family category.

The 79th British Academy Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards, held on Sunday night in London, witnessed a significant moment for Indian cinema as actress Alia Bhatt made her debut as a presenter. Representing the global reach of Bollywood, Bhatt took the stage to present one of the evening's major honors. Her presence at the Royal Festival Hall was marked by a blend of cultural pride and international glamour, as she addressed the global audience in her native language, Hindi, before transitioning to English.

Red Carpet Appearance and Attire

Alia Bhatt arrived at the BAFTA red carpet in a shimmering, backless silver gown by the luxury fashion house Gucci. Her appearance garnered significant attention from international fashion critics and fans alike. As she was invited to the stage by host Alan Cumming, Bhatt greeted the distinguished gathering with a traditional "Namaste," setting a tone of cultural inclusivity. This marked her first official appearance at the BAFTAs, where she joined a list of esteemed global presenters for the 2026 edition of the awards.

The Historic Hindi Speech on Global Stage

While presenting the award for the Best Film Not in the English Language, Alia Bhatt chose to speak in Hindi, a move that resonated deeply with the Indian diaspora and fans worldwide. She stated, "Namaste, the next award goes to a film that isn't in Hindi. Don't go by the subtitles, while i was saying in Hindi that our next award is for a film that isn't in English. " She then clarified her statement in English, emphasizing that cinema transcends linguistic barriers.

'Sentimental Value' Wins Best Non-English Language Film

' The win for 'Sentimental Value' highlights the diversity of storytelling recognized by the British Academy this year. Bhatt handed over the trophy to the winners, acknowledging the film's contribution to global cinematic narratives.

Recognition for Indian Cinema: Farhan Akhtar’s 'Boong'

The 79th BAFTA Awards also celebrated Indian production excellence. The Manipuri film 'Boong,' produced under Farhan Akhtar’s banner, won the award for Best Children and Family Film. This achievement is a significant milestone for regional Indian cinema, particularly for the Manipuri film industry, on an international platform. Farhan Akhtar was present at the ceremony to witness the recognition of the film, which has been praised for its storytelling and cultural depth.

Public Reception and Future Career Engagements

The reaction to Alia Bhatt’s Hindi speech has been overwhelmingly positive across social media platforms, with many users describing it as a proud moment for Indian representation. On the professional front, Alia Bhatt is set to appear in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming project 'Love and War,' alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal, while Also, she's lead-lining Yash Raj Films' first female-led spy universe film, 'Alpha,' which also features Sharvari Wagh in a pivotal role.