Nora Fatehi, who performed at the IIFA Awards 2022 in Abu Dhabi, will return at this year's event. Photo: IIFA
Nora Fatehi, who performed at the IIFA Awards 2022 in Abu Dhabi, will return at this year's event. Photo: IIFA
Nora Fatehi, who performed at the IIFA Awards 2022 in Abu Dhabi, will return at this year's event. Photo: IIFA
Nora Fatehi, who performed at the IIFA Awards 2022 in Abu Dhabi, will return at this year's event. Photo: IIFA

Culture

Film & TV

IIFA Awards 2023 performers in Abu Dhabi, from Varun Dhawan to Kriti Sanon and Badshah

The Bollywood event returns to the UAE capital for the second year in a row

David Tusing

May 16, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

The International Indian Film Academy Awards return to Abu Dhabi this month, celebrating all things Bollywood.

To be held on May 26 and 27 at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, the IIFA Awards, as they are popularly known, will kick off with IIFA Rocks, an evening dedicated to music and fashion.

The event will culminate in the awards gala, where Hindi films and performers of the past year will be honoured. The night will also feature performances by top Bollywood stars, hosted by actors Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal.

This is the second year in a row Abu Dhabi is hosting the event. Cities that have previously hosted the awards include Dubai, Bangkok, New York, Colombo, Amsterdam, Madrid, Florida, Kuala Lumpur and Macau.

Here are all the performers to look forward to at the IIFA Awards 2023 in Abu Dhabi.

IIFA Rocks

  • Acclaimed Bollywood actor Rajjummar Rao will co-host IIFA Rocks 2023 with director Farah Khan in Abu Dhabi. All photos: IIFA
    Acclaimed Bollywood actor Rajjummar Rao will co-host IIFA Rocks 2023 with director Farah Khan in Abu Dhabi. All photos: IIFA
  • After hosting the IIFA Rocks at the Etihad Arena last year, Farah Khan will return for the event in Abu Dhabi in May
    After hosting the IIFA Rocks at the Etihad Arena last year, Farah Khan will return for the event in Abu Dhabi in May
  • Rapper Badshah will perform at IIFA Rocks in Abu Dhabi
    Rapper Badshah will perform at IIFA Rocks in Abu Dhabi
  • Singer Sunidhi Chauhan
    Singer Sunidhi Chauhan
  • EDM Producer Nucleya will perform at IIFA Rocks
    EDM Producer Nucleya will perform at IIFA Rocks
  • Singer and composer Amit Trivedi
    Singer and composer Amit Trivedi
  • Indian designer Manish Malhotra, known for his work in Bollywood films, will showcase a special collection at IIFA Rocks 2023 in Abu Dhabi. Photo: IIFA
    Indian designer Manish Malhotra, known for his work in Bollywood films, will showcase a special collection at IIFA Rocks 2023 in Abu Dhabi. Photo: IIFA
  • Shreya Ghoshal will perform at IIFA Rocks. Suzanne Lee for The National
    Shreya Ghoshal will perform at IIFA Rocks. Suzanne Lee for The National
  • Singer Mika Singh. Photo: IANS
    Singer Mika Singh. Photo: IANS
  • Indian singer Sukhbir. EPA
    Indian singer Sukhbir. EPA

On May 26, an evening dedicated to music and fashion will be hosted by acclaimed actor Rajkummar Rao and director Farah Khan, who also hosted last year.

The night will feature performances by rappers Badshah and Raftaar, music director Amit Trivedi, EDM producer Nucleya andsingers Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Ghoshal, Anusha Mani, Mika, Sukhbir Singh and Goldie Sohel.

“In 2017, Alia Bhatt had New York enthralled when she sang my song Kar Gayi Chull from her film Kapoor and Sons at the IIFA Awards,” Badshah said. "This year, I will be there in person to regale you with some of my popular hits. So, fasten your seat belts and prepare for a rocking landing."

Chauhan, who remains the youngest nominee for Best Female Playback Singer for Mehboob Mere from the film Fiza (2000), has been nominated 17 times and won the award twice for the Dhoom (2004) title track Dhoom Machale and Omkara’s (2006) Beedi.

“This year, IIFA gives me a platform to entertain my extended family of fans from across the world. It’s going to be an amazing spectacle, we will rock Abu Dhabi!” she said.

Designer to the stars Manisha Malhotra will showcase a special collection for the fashion segment. The designer, whose fashion career began in the 1990s by styling Bollywood films, will also be honoured with a special Outstanding Achievement for Fashion in Cinema award on the night.

“The collection is reflective of ‘old-world charm meets the new world’ to create something breakthrough and imaginative," Malhotra said.

Malhotra is set to open his flagship boutique at the Dubai Mall soon.

IIFA Awards gala

  • Bollywood stars Vicky Kaushal and Abhishek Bachchan will host the IIIFA Awards 2023 in Abu Dhabi. Photo: IIFA
    Bollywood stars Vicky Kaushal and Abhishek Bachchan will host the IIIFA Awards 2023 in Abu Dhabi. Photo: IIFA
  • Vicky Kaushal won Best Actor for his role in Sardar Udham at last year's IIFA Awards in Abu Dhabi. Photo: IIFA
    Vicky Kaushal won Best Actor for his role in Sardar Udham at last year's IIFA Awards in Abu Dhabi. Photo: IIFA
  • Bollywood actor Salman Khan, an IIFA Awards ambassador, will also perform. AFP
    Bollywood actor Salman Khan, an IIFA Awards ambassador, will also perform. AFP
  • Varun Dhawan, known for his energetic performances, will also take the stage. Getty Images
    Varun Dhawan, known for his energetic performances, will also take the stage. Getty Images
  • Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan missed the event last year after he tested positive for Covid-19. Photo: IIFA
    Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan missed the event last year after he tested positive for Covid-19. Photo: IIFA
  • Nora Fatehi, who performed last year, will appear again. Photo: IIFA
    Nora Fatehi, who performed last year, will appear again. Photo: IIFA
  • Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon will also perform. AFP
    Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon will also perform. AFP
  • Bollywood actress Rakul Preet Singh is confirmed for this year's event. AFP
    Bollywood actress Rakul Preet Singh is confirmed for this year's event. AFP
  • Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana is known for his versatility. AFP
    Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana is known for his versatility. AFP

The awards gala on May 27 will be the highlight of the two-day event, with Bollywood stars Bachchan and Kaushal taking on hosting duties. Nominees are yet to be announced for the fan-voted awards, but performers this year include IIFA ambassador Salman Khan, Varun Dhawan, Kartik Aaryan, Ayushmann Khurranna, Kriti Sanon, Nora Fatehi, Jacqueline Fernandez and Rakul Preet Singh.

Khan and Fatehi also performed last year, while Aaryan, who was scheduled to perform, missed the event after testing positive for Covid-19.

"As we approach the biggest Indian celebration, I am very thrilled to return to the wonderful people of Yas Island, Abu Dhabi," Bachchan said. "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."

Stars confirmed to attend the awards gala include Alia Bhatt, Hrithik Roshan, Anil Kapoor, Kamal Haasan and Riteish and Genelia D’Souza.

Actors Aparshakti Khurana, Sunny Kaushal, Mouni Roy, Fardeen Khan, Esha Gupta, Mrunal Thakur, Dia Mirza, Rashii Khanna and Sheeba Chaddha will also walk the green carpet.

The cast of Netflix reality show The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives will also be represented by Neelam Kothari, Bhavna Pandey, Maheep Kapoor and Seema Sajdeh.

Tickets to the IIFA Awards 2023, starting at Dh110, are available at etihadarena.ae

  • Actors Maniesh Paul, Riteish Deshmukh and Salman Khan hosted the 22nd IIFA Awards at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. All photos: IIFA2022
    Actors Maniesh Paul, Riteish Deshmukh and Salman Khan hosted the 22nd IIFA Awards at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. All photos: IIFA2022
  • Salman Khan arrived to the venue on a motorbike.
    Salman Khan arrived to the venue on a motorbike.
  • Actor Tiger Shroff was one of the first performers of the night.
    Actor Tiger Shroff was one of the first performers of the night.
  • Tiger Shroff is known for his high-energy dance moves.
    Tiger Shroff is known for his high-energy dance moves.
  • Shroff performed a mix of his hits, including 'Whistle Baja', 'Zindagi Aa Raha Hoon Main', 'Dus Bahane' and 'Jai Jai Shivshankar'.
    Shroff performed a mix of his hits, including 'Whistle Baja', 'Zindagi Aa Raha Hoon Main', 'Dus Bahane' and 'Jai Jai Shivshankar'.
  • Singer Jubin Natiyal won the Best Playback Singer (Male) for the song 'Raataan Lambiyan' from the film 'Shershaah'.
    Singer Jubin Natiyal won the Best Playback Singer (Male) for the song 'Raataan Lambiyan' from the film 'Shershaah'.
  • Asees Kaur also won Best Playback Singer (Female) for 'Raataan Lambiyan' from the film 'Shershaah'.
    Asees Kaur also won Best Playback Singer (Female) for 'Raataan Lambiyan' from the film 'Shershaah'.
  • Ahan Shetty won the Best Debut (Male) for his role in 'Tadap'.
    Ahan Shetty won the Best Debut (Male) for his role in 'Tadap'.
  • Actor Suniel Shetty handed the Best Debut (Male) award to his son Ahan Shetty.
    Actor Suniel Shetty handed the Best Debut (Male) award to his son Ahan Shetty.
  • Actress Divya Khosla Kumar performs.
    Actress Divya Khosla Kumar performs.
  • Rapper Yo Yo Singh and Guru Randhawa debuted their song 'Designer' at the IIFA Awards.
    Rapper Yo Yo Singh and Guru Randhawa debuted their song 'Designer' at the IIFA Awards.
  • The musicians were joined by Divya Khosla Kumar for a performance.
    The musicians were joined by Divya Khosla Kumar for a performance.
  • Punjabi pop star Guru Randhawa performs.
    Punjabi pop star Guru Randhawa performs.
  • Rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh on stage.
    Rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh on stage.
  • Actor Abhishek Bachchan appears on stage.
    Actor Abhishek Bachchan appears on stage.
  • Nora Fatehi on stage at the IIFA Awards 2022 in Abu Dhabi.
    Nora Fatehi on stage at the IIFA Awards 2022 in Abu Dhabi.
  • Nora Fatehi shared the stage with a young dancer, Kashni from Abu Dhabi, who she found via an Instagram scout.
    Nora Fatehi shared the stage with a young dancer, Kashni from Abu Dhabi, who she found via an Instagram scout.
  • Fatehi also debuted her new song 'Dirty Little Secrets' in Abu Dhabi.
    Fatehi also debuted her new song 'Dirty Little Secrets' in Abu Dhabi.
  • Filmmaker Vishnuvardhan's film 'Shershaah' won both Best Director and Best Picture.
    Filmmaker Vishnuvardhan's film 'Shershaah' won both Best Director and Best Picture.
  • Anurag Basu won Best Original Story for 'Ludo'.
    Anurag Basu won Best Original Story for 'Ludo'.
  • Sai Tamhankar with her award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film 'Mimi'.
    Sai Tamhankar with her award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film 'Mimi'.
  • Pankaj Tripathi won Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'Ludo'.
    Pankaj Tripathi won Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'Ludo'.
  • Kriti Sanon received the Best Actress for her role in the film 'Mimi'.
    Kriti Sanon received the Best Actress for her role in the film 'Mimi'.
  • Vicky Kaushal with his Best Actor for his role in 'Sardar Udham'.
    Vicky Kaushal with his Best Actor for his role in 'Sardar Udham'.
  • Abhishek Bachchan began his performance with the song 'Indiawale'.
    Abhishek Bachchan began his performance with the song 'Indiawale'.
  • Abhishek Bachchan performs. His was one of the most well-received performances of the night.
    Abhishek Bachchan performs. His was one of the most well-received performances of the night.
  • Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Aaradhya dancing as they watch Abhishek Bachchan perform.
    Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Aaradhya dancing as they watch Abhishek Bachchan perform.
  • Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and daughter Aaradhya enjoy Abhishek's performance on the front row.
    Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and daughter Aaradhya enjoy Abhishek's performance on the front row.
  • Ananya Panday performs.
    Ananya Panday performs.
  • Actress Sara Ali Khan performs.
    Actress Sara Ali Khan performs.
  • Abhishek Bachchan performs.
    Abhishek Bachchan performs.
  • Ananya Panday's first ever live performance didn't seem like one. She aced it like a seasoned performer.
    Ananya Panday's first ever live performance didn't seem like one. She aced it like a seasoned performer.
  • Sara Ali Khan delivered a high-energy set on stage.
    Sara Ali Khan delivered a high-energy set on stage.
  • For his performance, Shahid Kapoor made his entrance with the song 'Yaad Aa Raha Hai' via a small platform above the audience.
    For his performance, Shahid Kapoor made his entrance with the song 'Yaad Aa Raha Hai' via a small platform above the audience.
  • Kapoor's performance was a tribute to Bollywood singer and composer Bappi Lahiri, who died in February.
    Kapoor's performance was a tribute to Bollywood singer and composer Bappi Lahiri, who died in February.
  • Kapoor also pulled actress Ananya Panday from the audience.
    Kapoor also pulled actress Ananya Panday from the audience.
  • Lahiri was known for introducing Bollywood to disco and electronic music. For Kapoor's performance, the Etihad Arena was converted into a disco hall.
    Lahiri was known for introducing Bollywood to disco and electronic music. For Kapoor's performance, the Etihad Arena was converted into a disco hall.
  • Kapoor was also joined by Nora Fatehi for a song.
    Kapoor was also joined by Nora Fatehi for a song.
  • Kapoor's tribute to Lahiri was the final performance of the night.
    Kapoor's tribute to Lahiri was the final performance of the night.
Top 10 most polluted cities
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  3. Hotan, China
  4. Delhi, India
  5. Jaunpur, India
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  7. Noida, India
  8. Bahawalpur, Pakistan
  9. Peshawar, Pakistan
  10. Bagpat, India
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Some of Darwish's last words

"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008

His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.

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The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo

Power: 181hp

Torque: 230Nm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Starting price: Dh79,000

On sale: Now

EA Sports FC 26

Publisher: EA Sports

Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S

Rating: 3/5

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

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The Details

Kabir Singh

Produced by: Cinestaan Studios, T-Series

Directed by: Sandeep Reddy Vanga

Starring: Shahid Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Suresh Oberoi, Soham Majumdar, Arjun Pahwa

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The drill

Recharge as needed, says Mat Dryden: “We try to make it a rule that every two to three months, even if it’s for four days, we get away, get some time together, recharge, refresh.” The couple take an hour a day to check into their businesses and that’s it.

Stick to the schedule, says Mike Addo: “We have an entire wall known as ‘The Lab,’ covered with colour-coded Post-it notes dedicated to our joint weekly planner, content board, marketing strategy, trends, ideas and upcoming meetings.”

Be a team, suggests Addo: “When training together, you have to trust in each other’s abilities. Otherwise working out together very quickly becomes one person training the other.”

Pull your weight, says Thuymi Do: “To do what we do, there definitely can be no lazy member of the team.” 

Updated: May 17, 2023, 7:56 AM
IIFA Awards 2025BollywoodAbu Dhabi