The 97th Academy Awards was filled with unforgettable moments, but one that stood out was Conan O’Brien’s unexpected greeting to India in Hindi! As the charismatic host took center stage, he surprised everyone by saying, “Namashkar. Nashte ke saath Oscar dekhna” which translates to, “Greetings to the people of India. It’s morning there, so I hope you enjoy your breakfast with the Oscars.” This historic moment marked the first time an Oscars host has ever spoken Hindi on stage.
Why This Moment Matters
India has always had a strong presence at the Oscars, from Naatu Naatu’s big win in 2023 to Indian films and artists gaining global recognition. However, this moment was particularly special because it was a direct acknowledgment of India’s massive Oscars viewership. By greeting Indian audiences in their language, Conan O’Brien not only honored India’s cultural influence but also strengthened the global connection between Hollywood and Indian cinema lovers.
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
Fans Celebrate Conan O’Brien’s Hindi Greeting
As soon as O’Brien spoke in Hindi, social media erupted with excitement. Indian fans took to Twitter and Instagram to praise the host for acknowledging their country in such a personal way. “Conan thoughtful shoutout to India” wrote one user, while another tweeted, “Never expected to hear Hindi at the Academy Awards, what a moment!” The clip of his monologue quickly went viral, garnering millions of views within hours.
#ConanOBrien kicked off the #Oscar ceremony with a thoughtful shoutout to India
— Stranger (@Stranger4every1) March 3, 2025
Spoke in Hindi to connect with viewers in India❤️
"Logo ko namaskar, Waha subha ho chuki hai to mujhe ummeed hai ki ap crispy nashte ke sath #Oscars dekhenge"#Oscars2025 pic.twitter.com/fvYPH3ot8Z