![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NHWJ6S6UX5BWFHBAGTE4VWV4LU.jpeg?smart=true&auth=6afdc4cbbd729d4dfc102b329218a7e5a5f2a6ba59ebe58359667357ea355193&width=400&height=225)
Actor Anil Kapoor began the show by saying: 'When we came to Abu Dhabi last year, we were bestowed with love and this love has pulled us back to entertain you'
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KK6WOFIJ4RBGPJXFCV55IMBHIQ.jpeg?smart=true&auth=893742608a3ee8a27186b5116908639dd60fa93005990aa876fecb960f62fad7&width=400&height=225)
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan was the final performer of the night, dancing to many of his hits from over the decades. All photos: IIFA
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UENKEKARAJAW7EWZRF2XUCHW5U.jpeg?smart=true&auth=121da73747078c70e32199c43e19d2330d6704db7f90116ce63db84acff553d3&width=400&height=225)
Salman Khan on stage
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FGR5MVXHRJF2ND6BUWEJ4EOVPY.jpeg?smart=true&auth=6efcab9f56b1dd62c06ffaae3dc1125f2ecd91abc2a48569cdedceaf888bbe88&width=400&height=225)
Hrithik Roshan with his Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) award for Vikram Vedha
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HXGVRV7D7NFGHPUHLC7FW5HXMY.jpeg?smart=true&auth=3dd10c7c67454dc577dd0ed5199bde6d4b44bc7e3e34b042a828927e0bd72e5e&width=400&height=225)
Hrithik Roshan dances on stage with host Vicky Kaushal
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JXY4W6I7ZVGWPKMLPI3WFUURZI.jpeg?smart=true&auth=0ba95c0ad4081fab8c93f89b71c00f575d9aa104a7e768e2329d2c696a884ef8&width=400&height=225)
Hrithik Roshan and Vicky Kaushal dance next to Abhishek Bachchan
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3ORF5U6BK5HJ3FM3VXM2MKLPMI.jpeg?smart=true&auth=292b7960eda0549bf1f357947a319f4c28fe666aaa929a49d4a109576d1e036c&width=400&height=225)
Nora Fatehi's cabaret act included a medley of songs such as Piya Tu Ab To Aaja, Aaj Ki Raat and Aao Na
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/L3PWEMNTFJAYREXJ2F2H6HLDIE.jpeg?smart=true&auth=f7b7d8a652bfc343988c114b4692eac019e126fe58c83d956f82f80c888a8e0b&width=400&height=225)
Nora Fatehi on stage
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6N7DDP7SXNGKRENWOH7IHLGGSU.jpeg?smart=true&auth=4ab66d0156153683fb52b3ab85774c3758909aab96c0622b58fe2ec5b0f45213&width=400&height=225)
Jacqueline Fernandez took made an impressive entrance with the song Paani Paani. She continued with the thumping beats of Show Me the Thumka
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TCYYBBS4FJDKXNPI2CMU5U755Y.jpeg?smart=true&auth=dc3a98c2ad717b472988da07112f0c839481b4ecb1c531fe2a7fc8aeea5777f3&width=400&height=225)
Kamal Haasan being honoured with the Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema award by A R Rahman
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/R3DQBNXX2VFRDPRISHDKZ3EZAU.jpeg?smart=true&auth=9b3e4156af1eb3abc2c063809ecf4a6fe0cb3ccbf9c8b0bb62ebc6cec2733bce&width=400&height=225)
Rakul Preet Singh paid tribute to old Bollywood, and performed classic hits including Aaiye Meherbaan, Babuji Dheere Chalna and Ajeeb Dastan
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4CJ7CY3VNZGDHD5WRHGB36T76E.jpeg?smart=true&auth=fabde5c20d5dd7d9615a66ea2d6dfffd00ccc6f5d4d725a07d6a197e997666a8&width=400&height=225)
Rakul Preet Singh on stage
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/C6YVF4HQWVA6DBIDD66FJB75DA.jpeg?smart=true&auth=faabbe232a96638e985c4a24673bdf74f229e8af16bf3c5d68e02fc53a016aed&width=400&height=225)
Kriti Sanon began her performance with the song Apna Bana Le from the film Bhediya
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7XEJVS3J6NDGLDLOINV3Q23USY.jpeg?smart=true&auth=e8fae7c9a04cabe1c915933c1a9e6431d87d08c38e795d7e0bd4e299b0368e8e&width=400&height=225)
Kriti Sanon was joined by viral Norwegian dance crew Quick Style
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NACDOSXUM5GWNFYTPFL2O3DTSQ.jpeg?smart=true&auth=8e1da603c9bad72637673d2b01fb4a628e37e591565b99f8b7a09190ab2a5e84&width=400&height=225)
Kriti Sanon on stage
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UB27WTMJMVANNLTMZCLCVH22HE.jpeg?smart=true&auth=f69cc7f5a0194f9e7b589a5c2c7403936f6204ac1eebace7d9bd6ba3290f4abf&width=400&height=225)
The cast of Netflix reality show Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives - Maheep Kapoor, Bhavna Pandey, Seema Kiran Sajdeh and Neelam Kothari
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4CBTLJXRZJFPPLQZARBWH3BHJA.jpeg?smart=true&auth=2f47d03ea348aa27ed47df4db62b8c222bf3b95d583d08dda3b954485651725f&width=400&height=225)
Varun Dhawan was the first performer of the night
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/AALN3RMQ6VBBLCXPK3M6IQLTLY.jpeg?smart=true&auth=b3098a617a0ad8cad2d73acac658aa8e9430136d21f29096ec364c72a2567c50&width=400&height=225)
Varun Dhawan made his entrance from the back of Etihad Arena and danced down the aisle to the tune of Naach Punjaban
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/L6KEIWFHXFA6PC5PDFSNGZGP7I.jpeg?smart=true&auth=18c0a8d00dbf8dd7240d9b9d9ec183aec69d6ef3c2526234502e0bf65b4d9f93&width=400&height=225)
Varun Dhawan performs
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DDECAXKA6BC4XJTVOFRB7W5YWI.jpeg?smart=true&auth=3e3cef3fd9541af3b8fd0658b780bb375f8913baaee20b90b2d8ded4f309d52e&width=400&height=225)
Varun Dhawan on stage
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LMBSYKTCGNCLRO4BYPKXMTOPOI.jpeg?smart=true&auth=fb79181c761b9b27e961fbd35f71c9bc6755ea5633b7b8f865edfdeaf7c63806&width=400&height=225)
Performers take part in the gala's Opening Act
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4P3QGMHFKZAMNEA5YA3WCVZDWI.jpeg?smart=true&auth=38f1083c9c8bd5f88dbc0e6f37586ab26ec6446f0ed01cda3cc8d17139a1adca&width=400&height=225)
The performance combined Indian and Emirati cultures
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FILCM6FO4VCJTEIB7AMLUO3VSA.jpeg?smart=true&auth=1389756dee4cc7293ae5051b97f4b6174478dcf8a60ded9fa93f665fb05f39f6&width=400&height=225)
The opening performance took the audience on a cultural journey across the Emirates
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MQ3ALOUFMJBYDICLHEEXDXECTY.jpeg?smart=true&auth=6d761c0507d958f2ecc7ced1a369493c133ef2ae0c86d1c54e930c41b2a07ce6&width=400&height=225)
Dancers perform for Opening Act
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DIB7E2VNDJEURB72F6HZYZJXOY.jpeg?smart=true&auth=46947cd6e661cdb288405653bc05817af3afc3450d7a77374575c5415102d449&width=400&height=225)
The event began with a performance called Opening Act
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ZUQQCKJMWREYTDSVYFKW4PJT7A.jpeg?smart=true&auth=5569abdd32b718855b74948da85156bf3a8f0ea9345aad640b6ab83449413c28&width=400&height=225)
Hosts Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal dance on stage
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6LPKY3JRPNFGDCEVEVL3JKHCEQ.jpeg?smart=true&auth=58cc23d37f4750bb18db4f95f06e09561f467148ddfe73b959a4545fc296740e&width=400&height=225)
Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal hosted the Bollywood event this year
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RZGQYUH76ZD2HNTXQZPMGI3Q4A.jpeg?smart=true&auth=8e60507b517c2a2febef977ccd912bf095bb27df658dcfccd8de25b7c8fb5e39&width=400&height=225)
Vicky Kaushal and Abhishek Bachchan made their entrance together with a little dance routine, reciting couplets featuring names of films nominated this year
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RSBRKWASIVBF5IBU6IREWHQKOI.jpeg?smart=true&auth=4cb7d07609c9666df091c55f718739fc1a637f9c062654383bf53b4b1f2a2f33&width=400&height=225)
Hosts Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal on stage
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KW5HBNBUSFA6NK5LGMVZL6A7TM.jpeg?smart=true&auth=1a3adef7323ff155496db867e4c3b471c50981133bb3735372d5c806123b23c5&width=400&height=225)
Anil Kapoor on stage
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NHWJ6S6UX5BWFHBAGTE4VWV4LU.jpeg?smart=true&auth=6afdc4cbbd729d4dfc102b329218a7e5a5f2a6ba59ebe58359667357ea355193&width=400&height=225)
Actor Anil Kapoor began the show by saying: 'When we came to Abu Dhabi last year, we were bestowed with love and this love has pulled us back to entertain you'
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KK6WOFIJ4RBGPJXFCV55IMBHIQ.jpeg?smart=true&auth=893742608a3ee8a27186b5116908639dd60fa93005990aa876fecb960f62fad7&width=400&height=225)
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan was the final performer of the night, dancing to many of his hits from over the decades. All photos: IIFA
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UENKEKARAJAW7EWZRF2XUCHW5U.jpeg?smart=true&auth=121da73747078c70e32199c43e19d2330d6704db7f90116ce63db84acff553d3&width=400&height=225)
Salman Khan on stage
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FGR5MVXHRJF2ND6BUWEJ4EOVPY.jpeg?smart=true&auth=6efcab9f56b1dd62c06ffaae3dc1125f2ecd91abc2a48569cdedceaf888bbe88&width=400&height=225)
Hrithik Roshan with his Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) award for Vikram Vedha
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HXGVRV7D7NFGHPUHLC7FW5HXMY.jpeg?smart=true&auth=3dd10c7c67454dc577dd0ed5199bde6d4b44bc7e3e34b042a828927e0bd72e5e&width=400&height=225)
Hrithik Roshan dances on stage with host Vicky Kaushal
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JXY4W6I7ZVGWPKMLPI3WFUURZI.jpeg?smart=true&auth=0ba95c0ad4081fab8c93f89b71c00f575d9aa104a7e768e2329d2c696a884ef8&width=400&height=225)
Hrithik Roshan and Vicky Kaushal dance next to Abhishek Bachchan
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3ORF5U6BK5HJ3FM3VXM2MKLPMI.jpeg?smart=true&auth=292b7960eda0549bf1f357947a319f4c28fe666aaa929a49d4a109576d1e036c&width=400&height=225)
Nora Fatehi's cabaret act included a medley of songs such as Piya Tu Ab To Aaja, Aaj Ki Raat and Aao Na
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/L3PWEMNTFJAYREXJ2F2H6HLDIE.jpeg?smart=true&auth=f7b7d8a652bfc343988c114b4692eac019e126fe58c83d956f82f80c888a8e0b&width=400&height=225)
Nora Fatehi on stage
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6N7DDP7SXNGKRENWOH7IHLGGSU.jpeg?smart=true&auth=4ab66d0156153683fb52b3ab85774c3758909aab96c0622b58fe2ec5b0f45213&width=400&height=225)
Jacqueline Fernandez took made an impressive entrance with the song Paani Paani. She continued with the thumping beats of Show Me the Thumka
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TCYYBBS4FJDKXNPI2CMU5U755Y.jpeg?smart=true&auth=dc3a98c2ad717b472988da07112f0c839481b4ecb1c531fe2a7fc8aeea5777f3&width=400&height=225)
Kamal Haasan being honoured with the Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema award by A R Rahman
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/R3DQBNXX2VFRDPRISHDKZ3EZAU.jpeg?smart=true&auth=9b3e4156af1eb3abc2c063809ecf4a6fe0cb3ccbf9c8b0bb62ebc6cec2733bce&width=400&height=225)
Rakul Preet Singh paid tribute to old Bollywood, and performed classic hits including Aaiye Meherbaan, Babuji Dheere Chalna and Ajeeb Dastan
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4CJ7CY3VNZGDHD5WRHGB36T76E.jpeg?smart=true&auth=fabde5c20d5dd7d9615a66ea2d6dfffd00ccc6f5d4d725a07d6a197e997666a8&width=400&height=225)
Rakul Preet Singh on stage
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/C6YVF4HQWVA6DBIDD66FJB75DA.jpeg?smart=true&auth=faabbe232a96638e985c4a24673bdf74f229e8af16bf3c5d68e02fc53a016aed&width=400&height=225)
Kriti Sanon began her performance with the song Apna Bana Le from the film Bhediya
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7XEJVS3J6NDGLDLOINV3Q23USY.jpeg?smart=true&auth=e8fae7c9a04cabe1c915933c1a9e6431d87d08c38e795d7e0bd4e299b0368e8e&width=400&height=225)
Kriti Sanon was joined by viral Norwegian dance crew Quick Style
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NACDOSXUM5GWNFYTPFL2O3DTSQ.jpeg?smart=true&auth=8e1da603c9bad72637673d2b01fb4a628e37e591565b99f8b7a09190ab2a5e84&width=400&height=225)
Kriti Sanon on stage
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UB27WTMJMVANNLTMZCLCVH22HE.jpeg?smart=true&auth=f69cc7f5a0194f9e7b589a5c2c7403936f6204ac1eebace7d9bd6ba3290f4abf&width=400&height=225)
The cast of Netflix reality show Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives - Maheep Kapoor, Bhavna Pandey, Seema Kiran Sajdeh and Neelam Kothari
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4CBTLJXRZJFPPLQZARBWH3BHJA.jpeg?smart=true&auth=2f47d03ea348aa27ed47df4db62b8c222bf3b95d583d08dda3b954485651725f&width=400&height=225)
Varun Dhawan was the first performer of the night
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/AALN3RMQ6VBBLCXPK3M6IQLTLY.jpeg?smart=true&auth=b3098a617a0ad8cad2d73acac658aa8e9430136d21f29096ec364c72a2567c50&width=400&height=225)
Varun Dhawan made his entrance from the back of Etihad Arena and danced down the aisle to the tune of Naach Punjaban
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/L6KEIWFHXFA6PC5PDFSNGZGP7I.jpeg?smart=true&auth=18c0a8d00dbf8dd7240d9b9d9ec183aec69d6ef3c2526234502e0bf65b4d9f93&width=400&height=225)
Varun Dhawan performs
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DDECAXKA6BC4XJTVOFRB7W5YWI.jpeg?smart=true&auth=3e3cef3fd9541af3b8fd0658b780bb375f8913baaee20b90b2d8ded4f309d52e&width=400&height=225)
Varun Dhawan on stage
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LMBSYKTCGNCLRO4BYPKXMTOPOI.jpeg?smart=true&auth=fb79181c761b9b27e961fbd35f71c9bc6755ea5633b7b8f865edfdeaf7c63806&width=400&height=225)
Performers take part in the gala's Opening Act
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4P3QGMHFKZAMNEA5YA3WCVZDWI.jpeg?smart=true&auth=38f1083c9c8bd5f88dbc0e6f37586ab26ec6446f0ed01cda3cc8d17139a1adca&width=400&height=225)
The performance combined Indian and Emirati cultures
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FILCM6FO4VCJTEIB7AMLUO3VSA.jpeg?smart=true&auth=1389756dee4cc7293ae5051b97f4b6174478dcf8a60ded9fa93f665fb05f39f6&width=400&height=225)
The opening performance took the audience on a cultural journey across the Emirates
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MQ3ALOUFMJBYDICLHEEXDXECTY.jpeg?smart=true&auth=6d761c0507d958f2ecc7ced1a369493c133ef2ae0c86d1c54e930c41b2a07ce6&width=400&height=225)
Dancers perform for Opening Act
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DIB7E2VNDJEURB72F6HZYZJXOY.jpeg?smart=true&auth=46947cd6e661cdb288405653bc05817af3afc3450d7a77374575c5415102d449&width=400&height=225)
The event began with a performance called Opening Act
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ZUQQCKJMWREYTDSVYFKW4PJT7A.jpeg?smart=true&auth=5569abdd32b718855b74948da85156bf3a8f0ea9345aad640b6ab83449413c28&width=400&height=225)
Hosts Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal dance on stage
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6LPKY3JRPNFGDCEVEVL3JKHCEQ.jpeg?smart=true&auth=58cc23d37f4750bb18db4f95f06e09561f467148ddfe73b959a4545fc296740e&width=400&height=225)
Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal hosted the Bollywood event this year
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RZGQYUH76ZD2HNTXQZPMGI3Q4A.jpeg?smart=true&auth=8e60507b517c2a2febef977ccd912bf095bb27df658dcfccd8de25b7c8fb5e39&width=400&height=225)
Vicky Kaushal and Abhishek Bachchan made their entrance together with a little dance routine, reciting couplets featuring names of films nominated this year
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RSBRKWASIVBF5IBU6IREWHQKOI.jpeg?smart=true&auth=4cb7d07609c9666df091c55f718739fc1a637f9c062654383bf53b4b1f2a2f33&width=400&height=225)
Hosts Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal on stage
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KW5HBNBUSFA6NK5LGMVZL6A7TM.jpeg?smart=true&auth=1a3adef7323ff155496db867e4c3b471c50981133bb3735372d5c806123b23c5&width=400&height=225)
Anil Kapoor on stage
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NHWJ6S6UX5BWFHBAGTE4VWV4LU.jpeg?smart=true&auth=6afdc4cbbd729d4dfc102b329218a7e5a5f2a6ba59ebe58359667357ea355193&width=400&height=225)
Actor Anil Kapoor began the show by saying: 'When we came to Abu Dhabi last year, we were bestowed with love and this love has pulled us back to entertain you'
IIFA Awards 2023: Five highlights from Abu Dhabi's big Bollywood event
From an impromptu dance set to hilarious hosts, these were some of the evening's best bits
![Aarti Jhurani](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2F3b0f5fbb-0d06-430e-93c9-3d5dd9a305e0.png?smart=true&auth=667f8cd9a1d2733438286602d9b9daa8d169e79b6d5c5a42de70cc2d3d927ed1&width=70&height=70)
Aarti Jhurani
28 May, 2023
- Listen In English
- Listen In Arabic