IIFA 2023 will see performances of Ranveer Singh, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Nora Fatehi, Jacqueline Fernandez and Rakul Preet Singh.
The 23rd edition of the International Indian Film Academy and Awards (IIFA) celebrations have kickstarted with a press conference being held in Mumbai recently. Salman Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Varun Dhawan, Maniesh Paul, Karan Johar, Farah Khan, Badshah, Sunidhi Chauhan, Amit Trivedi and Nucleya were present on the occasion. These celebrities will take the centerstage and will perform with actors Ranveer Singh, Kriti Sanon, Nora Fatehi, Jacqueline Fernandez and Rakul Preet Singh, among others.
Salman Khan has been a part of the IIFA family for over two decades now. Talking about his association, the actor said, “Last edition, I hosted the awards with Ritesh Deshmukh and Maniesh Paul and made everyone present not just laugh, but cry too as I opened my heart to them. This time, I promise to make them stand up and dance with me as we celebrate Indian cinema globally.”
The IIFA stage will also be lit up with Varun Dhawan. The versatile actor, who won awards in 2015 and 2017 for performance in a comic role, will perform at this year’s event.
“IIFA for me is an unmissable experience and I can’t wait to be back in my favourite city. It’s a stage that allows me to connect with fans from all over the world and I am going to ask them watch out for the Bhediya, he is not going to let them get away,” the actor shared.
Also in attendance at the media interaction was Farhan Akhtar, who will be taking over the baton from Salman Khan. The Kartik Calling Kartik-actor will co-host the awards with Abhishek Bachchan and Maniesh Paul.
“I have been fortunate to be felicitated by IIFA in a number of categories, from best debut to best actor, best-supporting actor, best director, best story, best screenplay and best film. It gives you the biggest audience and I am looking forward to engaging with and entertaining them in a new role,” he shared.
Maniesh Paul will co-host the 2023 awards. “Last year, I hosted the IIFA Awards with Bhai (Salman Khan) and Riteish (Deshmukh). It was a blast! This year, it’s going to be as enjoyable, with Farhan and Abhishek. All glitz and glamour, laughter and hungama, talent and trophies aur hamara karnama, a night to remember,” he said.
The 23rd edition of IIFA will take place from February 9 to 11, 2023. IIFA Rocks will be hosted by Karan Johar and Farah Khan. This is the second time Farah will host the event. In 2022, she and Aparshakti Khurrana set the stage on fire with their unique hosting style.
“IIFA is one of my favourite award shows and Karan is one of my favourite people even though he is always going Toodles on me,” she shared.
Singer Badshah said IIFA Rocks underlines Bollywood’s supremacy in the world of entertainment. “The phenomenal response to this live music concert every year across the globe underlines the popularity of Indian cinema and its music. And I can’t wait to rule this stage, bring it on,” he asserted.
IIFA will also see performances by Nucleya. Calling IIFA the Bollywood Oscars and IIFA Rocks the pre-Oscar event, the acclaimed singer shared, “It’s taken Hindi cinema, its music, dance and fashion, across the globe.”
Amit Trivedi endorsed the opinions of his fellow participants. He said, “When we talk of hearts beating in sync, let me remind you that this time IIFA Rocks is bringing Valentine’s Day to you early. If that isn’t reason enough for a deluge of love, what is! IIFA is not just another stage, it’s a night to be lived and a memory to live with.”