Bollywood’s biggest stars shine in Abu Dhabi for 23rd edition of IIFA
The 23rd edition of IIFA got off to a sparkling start at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The grand finale of IIFA Awards will take place on May 27, 2023
The 23rd edition of the International Indian Film Academy and Awards (IIFA) got off to a sparkling start at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The grand finale of IIFA Awards will take place on May 27, 2023 and will be hosted by Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal. Talking exclusively to IANS, Abhishek Bachchan said: “IIFA was my first stage of live performance and fortunately I was sharing the stage with my father Amitabh Bachchan and my wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on Kajrare Kajrare Song and this time, they are not present here. So, I have an emotional connection with IIFA. This year I am going to host the IIFA Awards with Vicky Kaushal.”
About the pressure to hold an international show, Abhishek replied: “I always want to be under pressure - pressure to deliver the best. Work pressure is like a responsibility for actors. It will drive you towards commitment and effort for your work. This time pressure is forcing me to perform as host as best in terms of entertainment. I have my father Amitabh Bachchan and I learned from him, so I know how to handle the situation.” “I am thrilled to return to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. It will be an absolute pleasure and honour to entertain and meet fans from all over the world. Looking forward to hosting the IIFA Awards,” he added. On the question of the quality of films, Abhishek said: “As artists, it is our duty to entertain the audience and our films should be engaging and entertaining. Our responsibility is to justify the ticket value spent by the public.”
At a press conference held on Thursday,
Top: Salman Khan. addressing the media were this year’s hosts Abhishek Bachchan, Vicky Kaushal, Farah Khan and Rajkummar Rao along with performers Salman Khan, Rakul Preet Singh, Nora Fatehi, Jacqueline Fernandez, Amit Trivedi, Badshah, Nucleya, Sunidhi Chauhan and Iulia Vantur
Saleh Mohamed Saleh Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism, DCT Abu Dhabi said: “We are pleased to host the IIFA Awards once again in Abu Dhabi since it marks a significant turning point for our dynamic entertainment calendar. Our relationship with India, which is based on shared cultural and economic interests, has been boosted even further by the fact that Abu Dhabi has served as the seting for a number of Bollywood blockbusters, allowing people all over the world to learn about our stunning country. The biggest celebration of Indian cinema will take place in Abu Dhabi, and we are excited to welcome the illustrious actors, directors, and members of the Indian film community, as well as their supporters.”
IIFA 2023 kickstarted the mega celebrations on Friday with IIFA Rocks hosted by Farah Khan Kunder and Rajkummar Rao and will feature performances by Amit Trivedi, along with several popular singers, Badshah, Sunidhi Chauhan, Nucleya and Sukhbir Singh. This year, Kamal Haasan, Hrithik Roshan, Anil Kapoor, Alia Bhat, Riteish and Genelia D’souza, Sunny Kaushal, Mouni Roy, Fardeen Khan, Esha Gupta, Mrunal Thakur, Dia Mirza, Rashii Khanna, Sheeba Chaddha, Neelam Kothari, Bhavna Pandey, Maheep Kapoor and Seema Sajdeh will also be walking the green carpet.