JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – The Red Sea International Film Festival played host to a dazzling Golden Globes Gala Dinner, with Bollywood stars Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt adding to the event's star power. The festival, now in its fifth year, has become a significant platform for celebrating cinematic achievements and fostering cross-cultural exchange.
Salman Khan, known for his roles in blockbusters like "Dabangg" and his upcoming film "Battle of Galwan", made a stylish appearance in an all-black suit, pairing it with a matching shirt and tie. Images circulating online show the actor posing with Venezuelan actor Édgar Ramírez and British actor Idris Elba. Khan expressed his appreciation for the Kingdom, stating, "I like Saudi (Arabia). I like the people, the culture. It's nice. I keep on visiting these days but a bit nowadays. It's been good".
Alia Bhatt, who was honored with the Golden Globe Horizon Award at the festival, also garnered praise from Khan. He commented, "It's amazing. I think only Saudi could have done this. It's amazing. I mean, they are going places and really rapidly. It's a good thing". The Golden Globe Horizon Award recognizes emerging talents in the Middle East and North Africa.
Bhatt's presence at the festival was marked by a curated showcase of her filmography, highlighting her evolution as an actress. The tribute included a montage of her notable performances in films like "Highway," "Dear Zindagi," "Gangubai Kathiawadi," "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani," and "Brahmastra". The actress also offered a sneak peek at "Alpha," her upcoming Yash Raj Films thriller, which places her at the center of the studio's Spy Universe. "Alpha" will be the first female-led installment in the YRF Spy Universe, co-starring Sharvari and Bobby Deol and directed by Shiv Rawail, is slated for release in 2026. Bhatt acknowledged the challenge and excitement of taking on an action-driven role in such a successful franchise.
For the event, Bhatt chose a sculpted black net gown, paired with minimal makeup and smokey eyes. Sleek dark sunglasses completed the look. Bhatt shared images on social media, celebrating "the magic of the movies".
During an "In Conversation" panel, Bhatt reflected on her career journey, emphasizing the importance of instinct and taking creative risks. She noted how her approach to acting has evolved since starting out at a young age, explaining, "I'm still enthusiastic, still full of beans, but the approach is more silent. It comes with a little more sense of intent".
The Red Sea International Film Festival has attracted a host of international stars, including Queen Latifah, Kirsten Dunst, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Nina Dobrev, Kriti Sanon, and Jessica Alba. The festival's program includes a diverse selection of films from around the world, with a focus on supporting and promoting filmmakers from Asia, Africa, and the Arab world.
