Actor Alia Bhatt never fails to make her presence felt on global platforms, and she did it yet again when she presented an award at the BAFTA 2026 stage. The actor made her mark by addressing the audience in Hindi, which netizens hailed as an iconic moment. Not only this, she also expressed her love for cinema, calling Raha her source of inspiration and sharing how she dances to her songs.
Alia Bhatt greets audience with ‘Namaskar’ at BAFTA 2026
The actor made her first-ever appearance as a BAFTA presenter at the 79th British Academy Film Awards, where she was invited to announce the winner in the “Film Not in the English Language” category. It was a significant milestone in Alia`s international journey, and she chose to make it even more special by opening her presentation in Hindi.
Before announcing the winner, Alia spoke about how films go beyond words and borders. The actress started her presentation by briefly addressing the audience in Hindi, greeting them with “Namaskar.”
She said, “Namaskar. Agla award ek aise film ke liye hai, jo Angrezi mein nahi hai. 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. Because while film speaks in countless voices, what we always celebrate is the language of cinema.”
Soon after she presented the award, videos began going viral on the internet. Fans quickly took to their social media handles to share their reactions, with some even calling her “ICONIC.”
The category featured a strong lineup of international films, including It Was Just an Accident, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, Sirat, and The Voice of Hind Rajab. Sentimental Value eventually took home the honor.
Alia Bhatt on Raha being her inspiration
Speaking to the media on the red carpet, Alia revealed that her biggest “inspiration” right now comes from her little daughter, Raha.
Talking about motherhood and the joy it brings, Alia said, “I think I say this all the time, but I think I came out of my mother’s womb on action. I feel most myself in front of the camera. Being in front of the camera is a blessing to me. I feel so grateful. I love my job so deeply. But I have to say that my true source of inspiration and magic right now is my daughter. Looking at her, she just blooms. She`s three now and dances to my songs. Sometimes, I`m like, ‘Okay, that is life.’”
For the evening, Alia Bhatt stepped out in a custom Gucci silver sequined gown with a high neckline and a fitted silhouette. The shimmering ensemble stood out under the lights, paired elegantly with a soft white fur stole that added a classic touch. She completed the look with sleek hair and nude-toned makeup, keeping things polished and understated.
Alia`s BAFTA moment adds to her growing list of international appearances, following outings at events such as the Met Gala and the Cannes Film Festival, as she continues to bridge Indian cinema with global platforms.