Alia Bhatt made a significant impact at the BAFTA Awards held in London, starting her presentation for Best Film Not in English Language with a heartfelt “Namaskar.” This moment garnered widespread attention on social media, with many describing it as iconic. Her choice to open the ceremony in Hindi highlighted her cultural roots and served as a platform for representation on an international stage. Observers noted that this didn’t feel like a simple introduction but rather a powerful cultural statement.

Introduced by the evening’s host, Alan Cumming, Bhatt attended the prestigious event dressed in a striking silver gown. After greeting the audience with “Namaste,” she proceeded to say in Hindi, “Agla award ek aise film ke liye hain, jo angrezi me nahi hai,” which translates to “Next award is for a film that is not in English.” She humorously added, “Don’t reach for the subtitles just yet,” before continuing her remarks in English. This playful transition underscored the category’s essence – celebrating films beyond the English language.

Alia Bhatt on the Universal Nature of Cinema

In her speech, Bhatt emphasized that although films express a multitude of voices, the universal language of cinema transcends linguistic barriers. While on the red carpet, she shared her thoughts, stating that the depth of human emotion does not necessitate language. This sentiment deeply resonated among attendees devoted to the art of global storytelling, further enriching the evening’s atmosphere.

Recognition for Norwegian Film Sentimental Value

The award for Best Film Not in English Language was awarded to the Norwegian family drama, Sentimental Value, directed by Joachim Trier. This film outperformed notable contenders such as It Was Just an Accident, The Secret Agent, Sirat, and The Voice of Hind Rajab. The accolade adds to Sentimental Value’s growing momentum this awards season, reflecting its critical acclaim.

The Impact of Cultural Representation

For Indian audiences, Bhatt’s confident use of Hindi at such a renowned event symbolized a moment of representation without compromise. Having established her career in the Hindi film industry before gaining international recognition, Bhatt successfully bridged the gap between the two worlds. Her single greeting on a global platform sparked dialogues that shifted focus from language differences to shared human emotions.

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