BAFTA 2026: Farhan Akhtar, and Shibani Dandekar make stylish red-carpet debut as Boong wins Best Children's & Family Film award

The 79th edition of the BAFTA Film Awards 2026 is going on in full swing at the Royal Festival Hall in London on February 22. Apart from Alia Bhatt, who graced the star-studded ceremony, two other Indian names, who made a surprise appearance at the event, were actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar and his wife Shibani Dandekar. The couple walked hand-in-hand at the prestigious gala and posed for the paparazzi by flashing warm smiles. The evening turned extra special for Farhan as the film Boong, backed by his production company Excel Entertainment, won the Best Children's & Family Film trophy.

Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Dandekar’s OOTN

Farhan Akhtar looked dapper in a black tuxedo, featuring lapel collars and padded shoulders, coupled with a buttoned-up element in the front. He paired the classic silhouette with a pristine white underneath and a black bow tie.



Shibani Dandekar complemented her husband in a golden satin gown. The halter-neck number plunged into a free-flowing train, delivering a touch of timeless sophistication. She teamed up the ensemble with sparkly earrings, minimal makeup, and a stylish updo.

All about BAFTA-winning film Boong

Boong, a Manipuri-language film, directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, beat international contenders like Lilo & Stitch, Zootopia 2 and Arco, winning the coveted award.

Set against the backdrop of social and political strain, the movie revolves around a schoolboy who encounters racial tensions and the nuanced struggles of communities along the Manipur border. Boong, played by Gugun Kipgen, is determined to bring back his missing father and reunite his family, thus embarking on a transformative and emotional journey, marked by prejudice and uncertainty.

Ahead of its theatrical premiere in September 2025, Boong was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024, the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, as well as the Warsaw International Film Festival, where it received praise from critics.