New Delhi: In a historic moment for Indian cinema, acclaimed actress-producer Alia Bhatt was bestowed with the prestigious ‘Honorary Award’ at the Joy Awards 2024 held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This recognition marks her as the first Indian woman to receive such an honor at this esteemed international ceremony.
Draped in an exquisite Ajrakh print saree from the renowned designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, Alia not only embraced the limelight but also showcased the rich cultural tapestry of India on this global platform.
During her acceptance speech, the ‘Udta Punjab’ actress humorously shared her deep-seated love for the world of cinema, quipping that she might have emerged into the world with the iconic call of ‘Lights, camera, action.’ She expressed gratitude for being present in a nation that fosters unity through the magic of cinema.
“It’s truly an extraordinary night. I’m obsessed with movies, it’s all I know. I’ve said this before, I think when I was born, I came out on ‘Lights, camera, action’. That’s how much cinema means to me. One of the things, if we are talking about joy, one of the greatest things in our lives is love. So tonight when I go back home, I take back with me the love of the movies and the love that I felt here in Riyadh. So, thank you so much, and here’s to the magic of movies,” expressed Alia with genuine enthusiasm.
Acknowledging the significance of the occasion, she commended the efforts of the host nation in bringing together talents from both the West and the East to celebrate the art of cinema.
In the illustrious history of the Joy Awards, Alia Bhatt joins the ranks of Bollywood legends such as Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan, who were previously honored for their remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry.
The star-studded event was graced by internationally acclaimed personalities including Sir Anthony Hopkins, Kevin Costner, Martin Lawrence, Eva Longoria, John Cena, Georgina Rodriguez, and Zack Snyder, further solidifying the Joy Awards as a global celebration of cinematic excellence.
