A good dress, her hair let loose, and Alia Bhatt is ready to take over the world. The Indian actor made her debut at the 79th edition of the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) at London’s Royal Festival Hall on Sunday. She was there to present the award for Best Film Not in the English Language.
The moment marked a major global milestone for the actor, blending Bollywood charm with Hollywood sophistication. Known for her effortless style evolution, Alia’s BAFTA appearance proved she is now firmly positioned on the international fashion stage.
Channeling Marilyn Monroe — With a Contemporary Twist
For her debut, the 32-year-old starlet channelled Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe on the red carpet. Wearing a custom silver Gucci gown designed by Demna and wrapped in a white stole, Alia brought the glam to the awards night.
The shimmering gown featured classic old-Hollywood elegance while maintaining a modern silhouette. The silver palette reflected timeless luxury, while the soft white stole added drama and vintage romance.
Let’s decode her look:
- Outfit: Custom silver Gucci gown
- Designer: Demna
- Styling Mood: Old Hollywood glamour
- Key Element: White stole for classic elegance
- Beauty Look: Soft waves with hair left loose for effortless sophistication
The styling perfectly balanced glamour and grace — exactly what a BAFTA debut demands.
A Desi Moment on a Global Stage
Making a debut on the BAFTA stage, Alia Bhatt added a desi twist to the 79th edition of the British Academy Film Awards at London’s Royal Festival Hall on Sunday. Taking to the stage as a presenter, the actor opened her speech with a warm “Namaskar” in Hindi, instantly striking a chord with fans online.
At the BAFTA 2026 ceremony, Alia took the stage to present the award for Best Film Not in the English Language. As she began her speech, the actor greeted the audience in Hindi before switching to English to explain what she had said.
“Namaskar! Agla award ek aisi film ke liye hai, jo angrezi mein nahi hai,” Alia said as she took the stage to present the award.
The Jigra actor continued:
“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. And that one we all speak fluently.”
The heartfelt moment celebrated inclusivity and cultural pride — a rare and refreshing highlight at an international awards ceremony.
Social Media Declares the Moment Iconic
The internet quickly embraced Alia’s BAFTA appearance, praising both her fashion and her cultural representation.
Fans flooded social media with reactions:
- “Alia Bhatt starting her speech in Hindi to present a non English award — THAT’S MY QUEEN.”
- “Don’t reach for the subtitles just yet… she made the whole room laugh.”
- “Alia Bhatt speaking Hindi while presenting the award is so iconic.”
- “She proudly represented her home and culture — chic and powerful.”
- “Queen is making me proud.”
- “Ate and left no crumbs.”
The overwhelming response highlighted how fashion and identity can come together to create a memorable global moment.
The Winning Film and A Historic Night
The films nominated in the category included It Was Just an Accident, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, Sirāt, and The Voice of Hind Rajab. Sentimental Value ultimately took home the honour.
While the award celebrated international cinema, Alia’s presence symbolised the growing influence of Indian talent at prestigious global platforms.
Glamour Meets Elegance: The Styling Philosophy
For her outing at the star-studded ceremony, Alia opted for a custom silver Gucci gown that came with a lot of shimmer and completed her look with a white stole inspired by Marilyn Monroe.
In an interview with British Vogue, Alia shared:
“I’m very excited about the look. Because I’m a presenter I wanted to bring the glam, but also keep it really elegant.”
That intention translated flawlessly. The look avoided excess while embracing refined drama — a styling choice increasingly defining modern red carpet fashion.
Why Alia Bhatt’s BAFTA Look Matters in Fashion
Alia’s BAFTA debut was more than just another red carpet appearance. It reflected a shift in global fashion storytelling:
- Cultural representation meets couture
- Old Hollywood references reimagined for Gen-Z audiences
- Indian actors shaping international red carpet narratives
- Minimal yet impactful styling trends
Her appearance proved that elegance today lies in restraint, confidence, and authenticity.
A Star Owning the Global Stage
Alia Bhatt’s BAFTA 2026 debut delivered everything a fashion moment should — glamour, storytelling, and cultural pride. From channeling Marilyn Monroe to greeting the audience with a heartfelt “Namaskar,” she created a moment that felt both personal and historic.
It wasn’t just a debut. It was a declaration.
And if this appearance is any indication, Alia Bhatt isn’t just attending global fashion moments anymore — she’s defining them.
