Five time winner of India’s Best Actress Award and noted Indian filmstar, Alia Bhatt is the latest celebrity to feature in luxury hotel group Mandarin Oriental’s globally renowned advertising campaign, I’m a Fan.

Famous for her epic roles in several Hindi films, the actress was recently named in Netflix’s Global Top 10 films and also signed on for the lead role in a major international Hollywood production, Heart of Stone, which will launch in 2023, says a press release, adding that the campaign connects Mandarin Oriental’s well-recognised brand icon – the fan – with international celebrities, including 10 Oscar winners, who stay at the Group’s hotels. In appreciation of their support, the Group donates to each celebrity’s choice of charity. Bhatt has chosen the humanitarian organisation for adolescents, Salaam Bombay Foundation.

Since her acting debut only 10 years ago, Alia has won over 25 awards and in 2022, three of her films feature in the top five Indian films by box office. Her debut film as producer, Darlings, was released as a Netflix original, featured her in the lead, and became the second most watched non-English content on Netflix worldwide within two weeks of its release, adds the statement.

An ardent environmentalist, Bhatt has also created a line of conscious clothing for children, Ed-aMamma, to inculcate in them a love for nature. In less than two years, it has become one of the most-loved brands of kids clothing in India.

Alia has a following of over 70 million on Instagram and is amongst the top 5 most followed in India. She has featured in Forbes 30 under 30 list of young super achievers and recognised in the latest TIME100 Impact Awards.

Bhatt is married to Ranbir Kapoor, one of India’s foremost actors. Their first film together, Brahmastra Part 1: Shiva, took the highest ever opening for a non-holiday release in India. The couple are expecting their first child soon.

Bhatt says her favourite hotel is Mandarin Oriental in New York. “It’s in one of my favourite cities, at one of my favourite locations, has breathtaking views of the park and the skyline, amazing food, warm service and I have wonderful memories of my times there,” she explains.

“Our iconic campaign continues to make a strong statement about the Group, and its growing global footprint and international fan base. We are delighted to welcome Alia as our newest ambassador and our first from India,” says Andrea Newman, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s Global Vice President, Brand. “By focusing on celebrities that are genuine fans of Mandarin Oriental, exceptional in their craft, and discerning in their choices, we have been able to showcase our hotels in a unique and interesting way,” she adds.

The campaign will be launched in October and November with the star’s posters appearing in Doha, Geneva, Istanbul, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Madrid, Milan and Paris airports. This will be complemented by a press campaign in Asia, Europe and America in November and December.

Mandarin Oriental’s earlier fans include Morgan Freeman, Adam Scott, Helen Mirren, Dev Patel, Lucy Liu, Cecilia Bartoli, Sir Andy Murray and Stanley Tucci.