Alia Bhatt made her debut at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards, presenting Best Film Not in the English Language, and turned heads with a look inspired by Marilyn Monroe.The actress stepped onto the red carpet at Royal Festival Hall in a custom Gucci halter-neck gown in silver sequins, layered with delicate microbeads for what she called a “cinematic glow”. She paired the backless dress with a shearling wrap, referencing a classic image of Marilyn in a shimmering gown with a white stole.

Explaining her choice, Alia told British Vogue, “I was like, ‘Hey, it’s gonna be really cold and the dress is backless…’”She added, “I’m very excited about the look. 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.”As Gucci’s first Indian global ambassador, Alia also enjoys collaborating on her looks. Speaking about her red-carpet inspirations, she shared that it ranges from Brigitte Bardot “for her hair” and Monica Bellucci “for her vibe” to Rekha “for her beauty”.Ahead of the ceremony, Alia admitted the travel took a toll. “Jet lag is way more serious when you’re in your 30s,” she sighed, speaking over Zoom before the big night.

Red carpet calm and post-event ritual

Despite it being her first BAFTAs, Alia is no stranger to global red carpets. She shared her simple ritual after big events: “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.”During her London stay, Alia has been enjoying early morning walks with her daughter, meals at MiMi Mei Fair and tres leches cake from L’Eto. She also revealed she hopes to meet 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.