Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt brought a heart-warming cultural moment to the Red Sea International Film Festival when she sang the Malayalam lullaby ‘Unni Vava Vo’, originally rendered by KS Chithra. The singer’s timeless track, cherished for decades in Kerala households, made a surprise appearance on an international stage as Bhatt shared the song’s personal significance in her family.

The actor, who has been a prominent presence at the festival through panels, red-carpet appearances and interactions with industry peers, revealed how the lullaby became a nightly ritual in her Mumbai home. She said their Malayali nanny has sung ‘Unni Vava Vo’ to her daughter Raha since birth – a routine the toddler now demands every night.

Bhatt added that the tune has become a family favourite. “Now even Ranbir has learned to sing Unni Vavavo,” she said, drawing cheers from the audience.

A cultural moment at a global festival

Bhatt’s anecdote received warm applause as she highlighted how regional songs extend beyond linguistic or geographic borders. She spoke about the emotional comfort the lullaby brings to her daughter and how the melody, deeply rooted in Malayalam culture, has found a permanent place in their home.

The song, composed by Mohan Sithara with lyrics by Kaithapram for the Malayalam film ‘Sandhwanam’, is known for its tender imagery and emotional resonance. Its chorus – ‘Unni Va Va Vo Ponnunni Va Va Vo’ – carries the meaning: “Sleep, my little one, sleep, my golden child.” The line “Neelapeelikkannum Pooti Poonchelaataalo” translates to “Close your blue lotus eyes and let’s head to Poomchela” – a detail closely linked to Raha, who also has blue eyes.

Inside the Red Sea International Film Festival

The Red Sea International Film Festival celebrates global cinema with an emphasis on filmmakers from the Arab world, Africa and Asia. Held in Jeddah’s Al-Balad district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the festival blends historic architecture with contemporary cinematic showcases.

Now one of the region’s most anticipated film events, the festival runs for 10 days. Its upcoming fifth edition, scheduled for December 4–13, 2025, will feature more than 100 films from over 70 countries and attracts leading filmmakers, industry executives and international stars each year.