Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu expressed her admiration for Alia Bhatt after the latter delivered part of her speech in Hindi at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA 2026).
Alia made her debut as a presenter at the prestigious international ceremony and added a distinctly Indian touch by opening her announcement in Hindi — a gesture that resonated widely with audiences across the globe.
Samantha Cheers on Instagram
Taking to Instagram, Samantha shared a clip of Alia’s BAFTA speech and reacted with a white heart emoji while tagging her. The supportive gesture quickly drew attention from fans, who praised the camaraderie between the two actors.
This is not the first time Samantha has publicly backed Alia. Earlier, when Alia’s film Jigra faced criticism, Samantha had strongly defended her performance, calling it “feisty” and inspiring.
Alia Bhatt’s Memorable BAFTA Moment
Alia turned heads at BAFTA 2026 in a silver sequinned gown paired with a white fur stole, reportedly inspired by Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe.
As she stepped onto the stage to present an award, Alia greeted the audience with:
“Namaskar! Agla award ek aisi film ke liye hai, jo angrezi mein nahi hai.”
She then added in English:
“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.”
Her confident blend of Hindi and English was widely appreciated for celebrating linguistic diversity on a global platform.
Upcoming Projects: Samantha and Alia
Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s Next Films
Samantha will next appear in Maa Inti Bangaaram, backed by Raj Nidimoru and directed by Nandini Reddy. The teaser showcases her in a dynamic role as a homemaker navigating unexpected challenges. The film is slated for a theatrical release on May 15.
She also has Rakt Brahmand, a project from the acclaimed filmmaker duo Raj & DK, in development.
Alia Bhatt’s Upcoming Releases
Alia will star in Alpha, part of YRF’s expanding spy universe. Directed by Shiv Rawail, the film also features Sharvari and Bobby Deol and is scheduled for release this year.
Additionally, she will be seen in Love & War, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, alongside Vicky Kaushal and Ranbir Kapoor.
A Moment That Celebrated Indian Representation
Alia Bhatt’s Hindi speech at BAFTA 2026 reflects the growing global presence of Indian cinema. With peers like Samantha Ruth Prabhu applauding her gesture, the moment underscored solidarity within the industry and pride in cultural identity on international stages.
