The "Sakht Launda" of comedy proved he wasn't pulling any punches, even with his fellow host.
The "French Fries" Standoff 🍟
The segment began when Zakir tried to invite Alia Bhatt back on stage for a hosting transition.
The Resistance: Alia was seen sitting in the front row, comfortably relishing a plate of french fries. She jokingly refused to move, leading to a fun banter between the two.
The "Roast" Challenge: After finally coming on stage, Alia teased Zakir for his non-stop commentary, saying, "Itna sab kuch bol diya apne bina roast kare" (You’ve said so much without even roasting anyone).
The AIB Zinger 🎤
Zakir, with his trademark calm demeanor, dropped a line that instantly trended across social media:
The Setup: Zakir reminded Alia of her early days, specifically her iconic collaborations with the now-defunct comedy collective All India Bakchod (AIB) (like Genius of the Year).
The Punchline: When Alia pointed out he wasn't roasting, Zakir smiled and replied:
"Mein roast nahi karta mam, mere dost roast karte hai. Aapke bhi toh dost thay woh FIR ke pehle (I don’t roast mam, my friends do it. They were also your friends before the FIR)."
The Reaction: The room erupted in a mix of shocked gasps and laughter. Alia, caught off-guard, could only manage a stunned smile as the camera panned to a laughing Ranveer Singh (who was famously part of the 2015 AIB Knockout roast that sparked the FIR).
Alia Settles the "BAFTA" Trolling with a 'Gunda' Twist 🎥
Zakir wasn't the only one bringing the jokes; Alia used the platform to self-deprecatingly address her recent BAFTA 2026 controversy:
The Backstory: Alia had recently been trolled online for looking "confused" when asked about the biggest plot twist in a film at the BAFTA red carpet, where she named Gone Girl.
The Redemption: During a segment with Zakir, he dropped the iconic line from the cult-classic film 'Gunda': "Mera naam hai Pote, jo apne baap ke bhi nahi hote."
The Pivot: Alia immediately recognized the film and joked: "Gunda! Oh my God, the biggest plot twist is Gunda. Why did I say Gone Girl?" The moment was hailed by fans as a "perfect clapback" to her trolls.
Chetak Screen Awards 2026: The "Power" Trio
Role Talent Hosts Alia Bhatt, Zakir Khan, Sunil Grover Co-Presenter Saurabh Dwivedi (The Lallantop) Biggest Winner Dhurandhar (14 Awards) Best Film Homebound
SantaBanta Verdict:
Zakir Khan’s AIB joke was the perfect reminder of why he’s a global comedy icon—he knows exactly where the line is and how to dance on it. By bringing up the "FIR era" with such ease, he provided the night’s most viral moment, while Alia’s ability to take the joke (and roast herself over the BAFTA clip) proved why she remains the industry's "sweet but uncool" favorite.
