Alia Bhatt didn’t just walk onto the BAFTA 2026 stage in London, she carried a whole vibe with her. When she opened her presenting slot with a calm, confident “Namaskar,” the room heard Hindi on one of cinema’s biggest Western nights, and the internet heard a statement that quickly dominated Entertainment Updates.
What Made The Greeting Feel Bigger Than A Greeting
Bhatt was on stage at the EE BAFTA Film Awards (Royal Festival Hall) to present the trophy for Best Film Not in the English Language. Instead of switching into “international mode,” she started in Hindi, then moved into English while talking about cinema’s emotions travelling past subtitles.
That’s exactly why fans are calling it a cultural flex: not loud, not performative, just effortless presence. Clips spread fast, with reactions ranging from “iconic” to “this is soft power.” Even news wires shared the moment, including a short clip posted by ANI.
Why “Flex” Is The Word People Keep Using
Because it flips the old red-carpet rule: blend in first, represent later. Alia represented first. It also lands in a year where global awards are actively widening who gets seen, heard, and booked as presenters.
The Real Win
It wasn’t only about Hindi. It was about comfort. When a star can greet the world in her own language and keep the room with her, it signals that Indian pop culture isn’t visiting, it’s participating.
FAQs
What did Alia Bhatt say first on the BAFTA stage?
She began with “Namaskar,” then switched to English while briefly introducing the category and nominees.
Why are fans calling it a cultural flex?
It showed confident representation on a global stage without apology, gimmicks, or overexplaining her identity.
Which award category was she presenting?
She presented Best Film Not in the English Language during the EE BAFTA Film Awards.
Where can I watch the clip legally?
Start with BAFTA coverage and verified news posts like ANI, then follow credited broadcasters online.
