'Who wrote Alia's script? Chat GPT?: Singer Sona Mohapatra COMMENTS on Bhatt's hosting trolling

When Alia Bhatt took on hosting duties at the Screen Awards in Mumbai, it was a first-of-its-kind moment for her. Sharing the stage with seasoned performers like Zakir Khan and Sunil Grover, the actor stepped into unfamiliar territory, live comedy. But what was meant to be a refreshing change quickly turned into a talking point for all the wrong reasons.

Clips from the evening spread like wildfire across social media. In one of the most-discussed moments, Alia attempted a light-hearted monologue about how Bollywood has evolved over the years, referencing filmmakers like Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Mohit Suri, and Aditya Dhar. However, the punchlines didn’t quite land. The camera cuts to the audience only made things more awkward, with several celebrities appearing visibly unresponsive.

Almost instantly, the internet reacted. Words like “cringe,” “overacting,” and “nervous energy” dominated comment sections. Some viewers felt her delivery lacked confidence, while others pointed out the silence in the room as the biggest giveaway. A few even compared her hosting style to Priyanka Chopra’s past award show appearances, calling those “effortless” in comparison.

Memes followed soon after. Screenshots of blank celebrity faces, slowed-down clips of her jokes, and exaggerated reactions flooded timelines, turning the moment into a full-blown viral trend.

Sonam Mohapatra backs Alia, calls out the audience

Amid the online criticism, singer Sonam Mohapatra stepped forward with a different perspective and she didn’t hold back. Taking to Instagram, Sonam shared a video where she defended Alia and spoke about the realities of performing live.

She pointed out something many overlooked, the unpredictability of a live stage. According to her, there are no second chances in such moments. No edits, no retakes, no safety net. She praised Alia for even attempting something most actors would shy away from. For Sonam, that willingness itself was worth acknowledging.

But her sharpest observation was reserved for the audience. She described Bollywood event crowds as particularly difficult, calling them disengaged and often more focused on appearances than participation. Drawing from her own experience at high-profile gatherings like the Mijwan Fashion Show, she explained how even meaningful events can feel emotionally flat because of the room’s energy.

She also addressed comparisons with Zakir Khan, stating that he is a master of stand-up comedy and operates in his comfort zone. Expecting an actor to match that skill set instantly, she implied, is unfair. Her take was simple, different crafts require different strengths.

Ending on an encouraging note, Sonam expressed confidence that Alia would improve with time. She also had a cheeky suggestion for the industry: maybe lighten up and laugh a little more.

"These people have disproportionate love from the public & have the power to influence an entire country. To set the tone. The culture. The vibe. Imagine if that influence came from abundance, not insecurity. India would feel it. Instantly. But credit where it’s due. To the few who do clap louder for others… who show up, cheer, uplift, encourage you are the real stars. At least for me."

- Sona Mohapatra

Viral buzz, big wins, and what’s next

Despite the online chatter, the awards night itself had its share of big highlights. Ranveer Singh walked away with Best Actor, while Dhurandhar, helmed by Aditya Dhar, dominated the evening with multiple wins. Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, secured the Best Film honour, adding prestige to the night.

As for Alia, the trolling hasn’t overshadowed her packed slate. She is gearing up for Love & War, reuniting with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, a collaboration that already has fans intrigued.

Meanwhile, Sonam Mohapatra continues to remain a strong, opinionated voice in the industry. Known for powerful tracks like “Ambarsariya” and “Naina,” she has often used her platform to speak her mind and this time was no different.

In the end, the episode says as much about the audience as it does about the performer. Hosting live is unpredictable, messy, and sometimes uncomfortable. And while the internet may never forget a viral moment, it often forgets how hard it is to stand under those lights and keep going anyway.