Alia Bhatt Greets in Hindi at BAFTA 2026, Wins Global Applause

Actor Alia Bhatt created a memorable cultural moment at the BAFTA Awards 2026 when she opened her presentation speech with a warm “Namaskar,” instantly drawing global attention. Appearing on stage in London to present the award for Best Film Not in the English Language, the Bollywood star blended cultural pride with international representation, sparking widespread praise across social media.

Introduced by host Alan Cumming, Bhatt greeted the audience in Hindi before continuing her remarks in English. She began with “Namaskar” and added a Hindi line announcing the category, followed by a light-hearted remark telling the audience not to reach for subtitles just yet. The moment drew applause and resonated strongly with viewers worldwide, many describing it as both elegant and symbolic.

Celebrating global cinema through language

Bhatt’s decision to begin in Hindi reflected the spirit of the category she was presenting. The award honours films made in languages other than English, and her greeting reinforced the idea that cinema transcends linguistic boundaries.

Speaking on the red carpet, Bhatt highlighted the universal nature of storytelling. She emphasised that human emotion remains the most powerful element in filmmaking and does not require translation to be understood. Her remarks echoed the growing global appreciation for diverse storytelling traditions and multilingual cinema.

Award winner and notable contenders

The BAFTA for Best Film Not in the English Language was awarded to Sentimental Value, directed by Joachim Trier. The Norwegian family drama triumphed over strong contenders including It Was Just an Accident, The Secret Agent, Sirat, and The Voice of Hind Rajab. The win adds momentum to the film’s awards season success and reinforces the expanding global reach of non-English cinema.

Why the moment resonated globally

For Indian audiences, hearing Hindi spoken confidently on one of the world’s most prestigious film stages symbolised cultural representation without compromise. Bhatt, whose career began in Hindi cinema before expanding internationally, demonstrated how artists can bridge industries while maintaining authenticity.

Online reactions praised her confidence and cultural pride, with many describing the gesture as a defining moment in international representation for Indian artists. The greeting also reflected a broader shift in global entertainment, where multilingual storytelling and cultural authenticity are increasingly embraced.

Bhatt’s brief yet impactful introduction demonstrated that representation does not always require grand gestures. Sometimes, a single word can convey identity, confidence and inclusivity on a global stage.