New Delhi: Indian viewers watching the 2025 Academy Awards on Monday morning were in for a surprise when host Conan O’Brien greeted them in Hindi from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
The 97th Academy Awards aired live in India on JioHotstar and Star Plus. O’Brien, hosting the Oscars for the first time, acknowledged Indian viewers during his opening monologue.
“For those of you watching from India, I want to say Bharat ke logon ko namaskar wahan subah ho chuki hai toh mujhe ummeed hai ki naashte ke saath Oscars kar rahe hain (Greetings to the people of India, it’s morning there, so I hope you’re having breakfast with the Oscars),” he said, making an attempt to speak in Hindi.
His effort received mixed reactions on X (formerly Twitter). Some viewers appreciated his attempt, with one user saying, “Conan O’Brien deserves an Oscar for best attempt at a foreign language! Good job, though the Hindi was definitely Hinding! #Oscars2025.” Another user praised the gesture, writing, “#ConanOBrien kicked off the #Oscar ceremony with a thoughtful shoutout to India. Spoke in Hindi to connect with viewers in India #Oscars2025.”
However, not everyone was impressed. A critic commented, “Good attempt, but frankly, Conan totally butchered the Hindi greeting! #Oscars #Oscars2025.” Another unimpressed viewer simply stated, “… that was NOT Hindi.”
O’Brien’s attempt at Hindi added a lighthearted and engaging moment to the Oscars 2025 broadcast, sparking conversation among Indian audiences.