Alia Bhatt made her mark on the global stage at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) 2026, not just as a Bollywood star but as a proud cultural ambassador. Her debut as a presenter was more than a glamorous appearance—it was a statement of confidence, heritage, and elegance.
Alia’s Visual Diary of the Evening
Alia Bhatt treated fans to an intimate photo dump that felt like a personal diary. The carousel began with her poised inside a car, moments before stepping onto the red carpet. A short glam video followed, showcasing her finished look with effortless confidence. She shared polished portraits, candid behind-the-scenes snaps, and even a playful pastry shot to end the series. One striking frame captured her mid-hair flip, brimming with attitude and movement. Captioning the post, she wrote: “At @bafta, celebrating the language of cinema.”
Old Hollywood Glamour
For the evening, Alia chose a custom silver sequined Gucci gown that shimmered under the lights. The high neckline and fitted silhouette gave her a regal presence. Layered with a soft white fur stole, the look echoed vintage Hollywood drama without overwhelming her natural elegance. Sleek hair and nude-toned makeup kept the styling refined, allowing the gown to shine. Speaking to British Vogue, Alia explained: “Because I’m a presenter I wanted to bring the glam, but also keep it really elegant, nothing overwhelming. It sits really lightly on the body.”
Her inspirations were eclectic yet iconic—Brigitte Bardot for her hair, Monica Bellucci for her vibe, and Rekha for her beauty. The result was a look that blended global glamour with Indian grace.
Cultural Salutation on Stage
The highlight of Alia’s night came when she stepped on stage to present the award for Best Film Not in the English Language. She began with a warm “Namaskar”, instantly drawing attention and applause. Switching between Hindi and English, she said: “Agla award ek aise film ke liye hai, jo angrezi mein nahi hai” (The next award is for a film that is not in English). She cheekily added, “Don’t reach for the subtitles just yet,” before continuing in English.
Her words emphasized cinema’s ability to transcend boundaries: “Films speak in countless voices, but the language of cinema is universal.” The moment was celebrated online as a proud cultural flex, with fans calling it “ICONIC” and “historic.”
Support from Samantha Ruth Prabhu
Alia’s gesture of opening her speech in Hindi resonated deeply. Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu publicly cheered for her, sharing a clip of the speech on Instagram with a white heart emoji. Fans praised the camaraderie between two leading Indian stars, noting how their mutual support amplified the impact of the moment.
Award and the Competition
The category featured strong contenders, including It Was Just an Accident, The Secret Agent, Sirat, The Voice of Hind Rajab, and Sentimental Value. Ultimately, Sentimental Value won the honour, and Alia gracefully presented the award.
Within minutes, clips of Alia’s Hindi greeting went viral. Social media buzzed with admiration, calling her debut “a crossover moment where Bollywood charm met global cinema royalty.” The mix of glamour, cultural pride, and confidence made her appearance unforgettable.
On the professional front, Alia is preparing for Alpha, directed by Shiv Rawail, which introduces her into Yash Raj Films’ spy universe. She will also star in Love & War, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ambitious project alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. She even spoke about her daughter, Raha Kapoor, calling her “the inspiration at the moment.” When asked about working in the UK, Alia smiled and said: “Let’s put it out there.”
Alia Bhatt’s BAFTA debut was more than a red-carpet moment. It was a blend of cinematic elegance, cultural pride, and global confidence. From her shimmering gown to her heartfelt “Namaskar,” she proved that Bollywood’s brightest stars can shine brilliantly on international stages—without losing their roots.
