After days of social media chatter, Alia Bhatt has finally responded to the online backlash that followed her appearance at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA).
The Gangubai Kathiawadi star had presented the Best Film Not in the English Language award at the ceremony. While her global stage moment was widely noted, it was a post-event interview clip that triggered debate online — particularly when she was asked to name a film with the biggest plot twist.
In the now-viral video, Alia appeared momentarily surprised before naming Gone Girl. The brief pause was enough to spark speculation, with some questioning whether she had actually watched the film, while others labelled her response awkward or overly hesitant.
Several social media users suggested she looked nervous or was attempting to channel a confident “international star” persona. The clip soon became a talking point, dividing fans and critics over whether her reaction was genuine surprise or pressure in the moment.
“Why is it being talked about so much?”
Addressing the uproar in a conversation with fashion commentator Diet Sabya, Alia questioned the scale of the reaction.
“Why is it being talked about so much? Is it because of my expression?” she said.
Explaining what was going through her mind during the interaction, she added, “So basically I really think it is the best twist but I have not liked watched it in… when did it release? 10 years ago? So I have not watched it after that. So when she was like, ‘that monologue,’ I was like ‘haan’ (yes) and I was going back in my head that oh ya, ‘that monologue, correct correct correct’ and she was mentioned cleaning the floor and I was like like ‘haan’ (yes) so I was like going back in time and I guess that’s what you saw. I am a cool girl. I am a sweet girl. But I could be… total… I mean I can be like… I am more sweet than I am cool. Actually, I don’t think I am cool. I am uncool girl, my sister would say that.”
Her candid clarification has since added a new layer to the conversation, with many fans rallying in support.
What’s next for Alia Bhatt?
On the work front, Alia is set to headline Alpha, a female-led spy thriller from the YRF Spy Universe, directed by Shiv Rawail. The film also stars Bobby Deol and Sharvari Wagh, and is expected to release next year.
She has also teamed up with Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Love & War, alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal.
BAFTA debut moment
Alia made her debut appearance at the 79th BAFTAs, adding what many described as a splash of “desi tadka” while presenting the honour for Best Film Not in the English Language.
She shared presenter duties with names including Bryan Cranston, Cillian Murphy, Ethan Hawke, Kate Hudson, Michael B. Jordan, Sadie Sink, Alicia Vikander, Gillian Anderson, Glenn Close, Patrick Dempsey and Riz Ahmed, among others.
