Mumbai, April 6: Public opinion remains divided following Alia Bhatt’s hosting duties at the Screen Awards 2026, where several viral videos have prompted viewers to label the stint as lackluster. While Bhatt is widely recognized for her acting prowess, her transition to live awards show hosting alongside Sunil Grover and Zakir Khan was met with a flurry of critiques regarding her stage presence and comedic timing.
The online discourse focused heavily on the perceived lack of energy in the room during her segments. One observer noted that the audience seemed confused, while another stated, “The poor audience… they must be cringing with secondhand embarrassment.” Concerns were also raised about her animated expressions and delivery, with one individual asserting, “She is struggling and nervous. Let actors do what they are best at.”
Some fans, however, offered a more balanced perspective on the difficulty of the task. A social media user declared that Bhatt remains a “fabulous actress” even if she is “not fit for the stage.” Another affirmed the difficulty of the craft, stating, “Being a comedian is difficult bro, she is trying so hard.”
The evening’s competitive categories saw Dhurandhar sweep the technical and major awards, while Akshaye Khanna secured the Best Actor in a Supporting Role trophy. As Bhatt moves past the hosting debut, her professional focus returns to the screen with Alpha, which is expected to release following a schedule adjustment to avoid a box office clash. She also remains a central figure in the upcoming film Love and War, alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal.
