NEW DELHI: 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.
"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 another user on X.