 "Oscar 2025 host Conan O'Brien takes a dig at Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy's heated argument, says 'Americans are excited to see someone...'")
Indian viewers who tuned into the Oscars 2025 awards ceremony on early 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 are live in India on streamer JioHotstar and TV channel Star Plus from the US.
O’Brien, who is hosting the Oscars for the first time, spoke to Indian viewers during his opening monologue.
Conan O'Brien deserves an Oscar for best attempt at a foreign language! 😂
— Teri Maa Ki Jack 🇺🇸🇮🇳 (@TERIMAAKIJACK) March 3, 2025
Good job, though the Hindi was definitely Hinding! 👏 #Oscars2025 pic.twitter.com/AG0h2BOmFT
“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, attempting to speak in Hindi.
A section of users on X praised O’Brien, popular American late-night show presenter, for trying his hand at speaking Hindi.
“Conan O’Brien deserves an Oscar for best attempt at a foreign language! Good job, though the Hindi was definitely Hinding! #Oscars2025,” said a user.
“#ConanOBrien kicked off the #Oscar ceremony with a thoughtful shoutout to India. Spoke in Hindi to connect with viewers in India #Oscars2025,” wrote another.
Some were not amused.
“Good attempt, but frankly, Conan totally butchered the Hindi greeting! #Oscars #Oscars2025,” said a critic. “… that was NOT Hindi,” said a user on X.
On Donald Trump
O’Brien quipped, “Anora’s having a good night. That’s great news. Two wins already. I guess Americans are excited to see somebody finally stand up to a powerful Russian.”
This comes at a time when Trump stops Millitary aid for Ukraine.
That’s not all, Kill Bill star Daryl Hannah also had a take on Ukraine’s struggles. She was quoted saying on stage, “Slava Ukraine,” meaning “Glory to Ukraine.”
The controversial joke has received mixed reactions on social media. “In before MAGA tears,” wrote one netizen. Another criticised Hollywood’s stance, saying, “When all the ‘artists’ celebrate the unholy NATO meat grinder, you know society is in trouble.”
With added inputs from agencies
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