Alia Bhatt Shines at BAFTA 2026 with Glamorous Appearance

Alia Bhatt made a striking impression at the BAFTA 2026, representing India with pride and elegance. Her Hindi introduction and glamorous attire drew attention, blending inspirations from Hollywood icons and Indian beauty. As a presenter, she highlighted the universal language of cinema, emphasizing emotion over words. Alia's trip to London was a delightful mix of work and personal moments, including a desire to meet young actor Owen Cooper. Explore her stunning appearance and the cultural significance of her presence at this prestigious event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 23, 2026, 18:33 IST

BAFTA 2026: A Night of Glamour

The award season is in full swing, and the renowned British Academy Film Awards 2026 has kicked off a glamorous year. Hosted at the Royal Festival Hall in London, this event celebrates the best films showcased in British cinemas throughout 2025. The red carpet was graced by Hollywood stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothee Chalamet, and Cillian Murphy, alongside British royalty like Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. Representing India was Alia Bhatt, who made a remarkable debut as a presenter at the BAFTAs.

Alia Bhatt's Memorable Introduction

Alia Bhatt's Namaskar Moment

Alia Bhatt proudly represented India by delivering her speech in Hindi at the BAFTA 2026. She began with, “Namaskar, Agla award ek aise film ke liye hain, jo angrezi me nahi hai.” After a brief pause, she humorously added, "Don't reach for the subtitles just yet," before explaining the next award category in Hindi.

A Touch of Old Hollywood

Alia Bhatt’s Marilyn Monroe Moment With An Indian Touch

Fresh from a long flight from Mumbai, Alia dazzled on the red carpet in a custom Gucci gown. The backless, silver floor-length dress sparkled under the lights, complemented by an ivory faux fur stole, reminiscent of Old Hollywood glamour. Alia shared that her look was inspired by a famous photograph of Marilyn Monroe in a similar gown. “As a presenter, I wanted to bring the glam while keeping it elegant and light,” she explained in an interview with a fashion publication.

Balancing Inspirations

While Monroe influenced her gown's silhouette, Alia also drew inspiration from Indian icon Rekha for her beauty. She praised Rekha as her muse, blending Western vintage styles with Indian elegance. Additionally, she credited Brigitte Bardot for her hairstyle and Monica Bellucci for her overall aesthetic.

Presenting with Purpose

Presenter Duties And A Special Owen Cooper Shoutout

As a presenter, Alia announced the winner for Best Film Not in the English Language, describing the category as “really very special.” She emphasized that cinema transcends language, stating, “Emotion is what really connects people to a film. You don’t necessarily have to understand the words being said.”

A Personal Touch to the Evening

Beyond her official role, Alia had a personal wish to meet 16-year-old British actor Owen Cooper, whom she admired for his role in Adolescence. “He’s so special. I would just walk up to him and express my excitement for his future work,” she expressed. Alia's trip to London was a perfect blend of professional engagements and personal warmth, including early morning walks with her daughter and enjoying delicious meals.