Although Alia Bhatt’s ‘namaskar’ moment at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) was celebrated and soon went viral on social media, her expressions during a post-event red-carpet interview also invited criticism from netizens. In a video clip, Alia is asked to name a movie with an impressive plot twist. She is then seen gasping and giving an expression which was construed by social media users as “exaggerated” before mentioning David Fincher’s 2014 film Gone Girl.
Many viewers questioned whether she had actually seen the film and criticised her response as overly hesitant or awkward. Some users suggested that she seemed nervous and was trying to emulate a confident, international-star persona. In the wake of the criticism, Alia spoke with fashion commentator Diet Sabya to clarify her remarks. “Why is it being talked about so much? Is it because of my expression?” she can be seen saying in a video.
She elaborated on what was happening in her mind during the interview. "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. (sic).”
On the film front, Alia will next be seen in YRF Spy Universe’s Alpha, also starring Bobby Deol and Sharvari.