Alia Bhatt Makes a Glamorous Debut at the BAFTA Awards in a Marilyn Monroe-Inspired Ensemble
Bollywood superstar Alia Bhatt graced the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards for the first time, taking on the role of presenter for the Best Film Not in the English Language category. Her appearance at the prestigious ceremony, held at the Royal Festival Hall, was marked by a show-stopping fashion moment that paid homage to Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe.
A Custom Gucci Creation with a Cinematic Glow
Alia stepped onto the red carpet in a breathtaking custom Gucci halter-neck gown, meticulously crafted from silver sequins and adorned with delicate microbeads. She described the dress as offering a "cinematic glow," a fitting choice for the glamorous event. The backless design was elegantly complemented by a shearling wrap, a nod to a classic image of Marilyn Monroe wearing a shimmering gown with a white stole.
Explaining her practical yet stylish decision to include the wrap, Alia told British Vogue, "I was like, 'Hey, it's gonna be really cold and the dress is backless...'" She expressed excitement about the overall look, emphasizing her desire to balance glamour with elegance. "Because I'm a presenter I wanted to bring the glam, but also keep it really elegant, nothing overwhelming. It sits really lightly on the body," she added.
Red-Carpet Inspirations and Collaborative Style
As Gucci's first Indian global ambassador, Alia enjoys a collaborative relationship with the fashion house when curating her looks. She shared that her red-carpet inspirations are diverse, ranging from Brigitte Bardot "for her hair" and Monica Bellucci "for her vibe" to Indian legend Rekha "for her beauty." This blend of international and local influences highlights her unique style perspective.
Ahead of the ceremony, Alia admitted that travel had taken a toll, noting, "Jet lag is way more serious when you're in your 30s." She made this comment during a Zoom call before the big night, reflecting on the challenges of international appearances.
Calm Demeanor and Post-Event Rituals
Despite it being her inaugural BAFTAs, Alia is no stranger to global red carpets, having attended numerous high-profile events. She revealed her simple yet heartfelt ritual after such occasions: "Afterwards I take the whole team for dinner – I like to sit with everybody and laugh and have a good time. And have a good meal! Whenever I'm happy and content, that's always when I look my best – and that comes with the people you're surrounded by, as opposed to feeling too pressurised about how you're going to look."
London Adventures and Admiration for a Young Actor
During her stay in London, Alia has been enjoying early morning walks with her daughter, dining at MiMi Mei Fair, and indulging in tres leches cake from L'Eto. She also shared her excitement about potentially meeting young British actor Owen Cooper at the ceremony. "I'm just obsessed with Adolescence. He's so special. He's someone I would just walk up to and be like, 'Hey! I'm really looking forward to all of the work that you'll do,'" she said, showcasing her admiration for emerging talent.
Alia Bhatt's BAFTA debut not only highlighted her rising global influence in cinema but also her impeccable fashion sense and down-to-earth personality, making it a memorable moment in her illustrious career.
