IIFA 2023: 7 Of The Best Moments From The Awards Ceremony
Bazaar Arabia rounds up the best moments from last night…
IIFA (International Indian Film Academy) is one of the most prestigious and highly anticipated events in the world of Indian cinema. Celebrating the excellence and achievements of Bollywood, the event brings together film stars, industry professionals, and fans from across the globe. With a rich history spanning over two decades, the IIFA Awards is a big moment for fashion as A-listers from around the world attend the event and walk the green carpet in their best ensembles.
Apart from the awards ceremony itself, the two-day extravaganza also hosts various other pop-ups and activities, including panel discussions, workshops, and masterclasses, providing a platform for industry professionals to share their knowledge and insights.
This weekend, the 2023 IIFA Awards took place and included an array of Bollywood A-listers in attendance. From Kriti Sanon, Varun Dhawan to Vicky Kaushal and Abhishek Bachchan, the two-day affair was one like no other.
IIFA 2023: 7 Of The Best Moments From The Awards Ceremony
Anil Kapoor’s captivating IIFA opening
Anil Kapoor, the seasoned industry veteran, set the IIFA stage ablaze with his captivating opening speech, leaving the entire arena in awe. With his majestic stage presence and a resounding “Salaam Abu Dhabi” to kick off the night, he received an electrifying response from the crowd, setting the tone for a memorable evening.
Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal were the best hosts
Beginning with a catchy jingle, which featured every nominated film, the dynamic duo Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal captivated the audience and ensured an evening filled with non-stop entertainment. Their infectious energy and seamless camaraderie brought an extra spark to the star-studded event, leaving the attendees thoroughly enthralled all through the night.
Varun Dhawan lives up to the host’s challenges
Varun Dhawan’s electrifying entrance from the audience gallery on the first floor of the arena took everyone by surprise, instantly igniting the crowd with excitement. Grooving to the beats of “Nach Punjaban” from his hit film Jug Jugg Jeeyo, Varun had the entire audience on their feet, creating a moment of pure energy and euphoria at the IIFA awards last night. Following the opening act, Varun took on a series of challenges that took the shape of dancing to the tunes of different directors and their distinct styles. From Karan Johar to Rohit Shetty, the 36-year-old incorporated each of their distinct styles, albeit with a personal twist!
Ritesh Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza shine at IIFA 2023
Real-life couple Ritesh and Genelia showcased their seamless collaboration on the silver screen as Ritesh made his directorial, and Genelia her Marathi debut with the film Ved (meaning madness). The couple beamed as their film’s trailer captivated the IIFA audience and then graciously accepted the award. Genelia stole the spotlight in an exquisite sari, while Ritesh exuded sophistication in a tailored monochrome suit, showcasing their impeccable style.
Bollywood Wives announce their new world tour
The charismatic Neelam Kothari, Maheep Kapoor, Bhavana Pandey, and Seema Sajdeh illuminated the IIFA stage with their presence, unveiling an unexpected surprise. The Bollywood wives, fondly known as the fabulous four, announced their upcoming world tour, promising to transport audiences into their mesmerising and extravagant lives.
Nora Fatehi takes us back in time with her dazzling performance
Unveiling a mesmerising cabaret extravaganza, acclaimed performer Nora Fatehi took the IIFA stage by storm. Suspended within a sparkling half-moon, she descended gracefully, setting the scene for a dazzling spectacle. With an enthralling medley of songs, including “Piya Tu Ab To Aaja,” “Aaj Ki Raat,” and “Aao Na,” Nora’s captivating performance showcased her exceptional artistry and transported the audience into a world of glitz and glamour.
Salman Khan’s showstopping performance
Superstar Salman Khan lit up the IIFA stage as he made a grand entrance following an energetic performance by the Norwegian dance group Quick Style. Paying tribute to the iconic Khan, Quick Style dazzled the audience with a captivating rendition of his 1998 hit “O O Jane Jaana.” Then, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived as Salman took center stage, charming the crowd with the title song from “Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan” and a thrilling performance on “Billi Billi Akh” from the same film. The night unfolded with a mesmerizing medley of Khan’s chart-topping hits, from the evergreen “Aaja Soniye” to the foot-tapping beats of “Seeti Maar,” ending the night on a high note!
Image courtesy of Instagram/@IIFA