Alia Bhatt Highlights Universality of Cinema at 79th BAFTA Awards

Actor Alia Bhatt made a memorable debut as a presenter at the 79th BAFTA Awards, opening her speech in Hindi to underline the universal language of cinema.

Presenting the award for Best Film Not in the English Language, Bhatt greeted the audience with “Namaskar! Agla award ek aisi film ke liye hai, jo angrezi mein nahi hai,” drawing applause for celebrating linguistic diversity on a global stage.

The award was presented to Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier for his film Sentimental Value, recognising excellence in international cinema.

Addressing the gathering, Bhatt emphasised that cinema transcends linguistic and cultural barriers. “What we always celebrate is the language of cinema,” she said, reinforcing the idea that storytelling connects audiences beyond words.

Her decision to begin in Hindi resonated strongly with Indian fans and international viewers alike, symbolising the growing global footprint of Indian cinema and artists at prestigious platforms such as the BAFTAs.

The appearance marks another milestone in Bhatt’s expanding international presence, as she continues to represent Indian cinema on prominent global stages.