Glitz, Glamour, and Iconic performances: Abu Dhabi set to host 23rd IIFA

Abu Dhabi, May 26, 2023, IANS

Over 70 Bollywood celebrities, including 20 A-list stars, have eagerly lined up to participate in the much-anticipated 23rd edition of the International Indian Film Academy and Awards (IIFA).

This grand celebration of Indian Cinema is scheduled to captivate fans on May 26 and 27, 2023, at the magnificent Etihad Arena, the largest indoor entertainment venue in the Middle East, located in Yas Bay Waterfront on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

During a press conference held on Thursday, the hosts of this year's IIFA, namely Abhishek Bachchan, Vicky Kaushal, Farah Khan, and Rajkummar Rao, along with esteemed performers Salman Khan, Rakul Preet Singh, Nora Fatehi, Jacqueline Fernandez, Amit Trivedi, Badshah, Nucleya, Sunidhi Chauhan, and Iulia Vantur, addressed the media.

H.E. Saleh Mohamed Saleh Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism, DCT Abu Dhabi, expressed his delight in hosting the IIFA Awards once again, recognizing it as a significant milestone in the vibrant entertainment calendar of Abu Dhabi.

The shared cultural and economic interests between Abu Dhabi and India have further strengthened their relationship, particularly as Abu Dhabi has served as the backdrop for numerous Bollywood blockbusters, allowing the world to discover the beauty of this splendid country.

Abu Dhabi eagerly awaits the arrival of illustrious actors, directors, and members of the Indian film community, along with their supporters, for this extravagant celebration of Indian cinema.

The festivities of IIFA 2023 will commence with IIFA Rocks, a much-anticipated event hosted by Farah Khan Kunder and Rajkummar Rao.

The audience will be treated to mesmerizing performances by Amit Trivedi and renowned singers such as Badshah, Sunidhi Chauhan, Nucleya, and Sukhbir Singh.

This year's IIFA Rocks will feature an exclusive showcase by the celebrated fashion designer Manish Malhotra, who is celebrating 25 remarkable years in the industry.

Farah Khan, the host of IIFA Rocks 2023, expressed her excitement, highlighting the global scale and recognition that IIFA brings to Indian cinema, providing the film industry with a phenomenal platform.

Rajkummar Rao, co-host of IIFA Rocks, expressed his immense enthusiasm and honored to be part of the event, anticipating a memorable and joyous experience.

The grand finale, IIFA Awards, will be held on May 27, 2023, with Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal as the hosts.

The electrifying performances by Bollywood superstars Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Nora Fatehi, and Rakul Preet Singh will undoubtedly be a highlight of the evening.

Abhishek Bachchan expressed his thrill at returning to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, conveying his pleasure and honor to entertain fans from around the world, eagerly anticipating the IIFA Awards.

Vicky Kaushal, co-host of the IIFA Awards, shared his excitement about being on stage alongside Abhishek Bachchan, emphasizing the tremendous excitement and gratification he experiences in his ongoing journey with IIFA.

Among the various attractions of the IIFA weekend, there will be a series of masterclasses tailored for film enthusiasts, aspiring filmmakers, and dedicated fans.

These masterclasses include "Director's Cut" with Kabir Khan and Omung Kumar, as well as an unmissable session with celebrity hair and makeup artist Nabila.

This year, the green carpet will witness the presence of esteemed celebrities such as Kamal Haasan, Hrithik Roshan, Anil Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, 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. Prominent producers like Ramesh Taurani, Boney Kapoor, Bhushan Kumar, Jayantilal Gada, Anees Bazmee, and R. Madhavan are also expected to grace the IIFA Weekend and Awards with their presence.

This year's star-studded performances by Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Nora Fatehi, and Rakul Preet Singh promise to captivate the audience, adding to the allure and excitement surrounding IIFA 2023. (Edited)