Bollywood’s Biggest Stars Dazzle at IIFA 2024 in Abu Dhabi

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_{Bollywood's biggest stars shine bright at Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena. Some of the biggest names in Bollywood descended on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi to celebrate the Hindi film industry's best at the IIFA Awards 2024. True to form, the A-list stars brought a show as vibrant, colorful, and dazzling as their movies.}

_{It included stars such as Shah Rukh Khan, Hema Malini, Rani Mukerji, and Kriti Sanon. But as the show, inevitably, started fashionably late, it did not disappoint—even if it ran late into the night. The ceremony wrapped up at 3am.}

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_{Notwithstanding that it ran well over five hours, the contest was never dull as a constellation of stars entertained an almost-packed Etihad Arena. Here are five highlights from last night:}

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1. Star-studded medley of Shahid Kapoor
_{Shiamak Davar-trained Kapoor is known for his moves, so it was only apt that he was among the first acts of the night. The actor was welcomed by cheering fans on their feet as he rode a motorbike from the floor to the stage.
With half of the show already wasted away in monotony, it was an Akhiyan Gulaab solo that transformed into a star-studded spectacle with the inclusion of his colleagues Kriti Sanon for Laal Peeli Akhiyaan, Prabhu Deva for Muqabla, Bobby Deol for Tera Rang Balle Balle, and Anil Kapoor for Nach Punjaban—joining him for a short but energetic performance.}

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2. The star host trio
_{No expense was spared in bringing together Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, and Vicky Kaushal to host the awards. Whether all three were present on stage together or in different pairs, the trio’s chemistry ensured that there was never a dull moment. One of the highlights was their playful roasting with lighthearted self-deprecating humor, dancing, and even a staged fight sequence between Kaushal and Khan. With witty one-liners and camaraderie, Khan showed why he’s known across the industry as King Khan.}

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3. Vicky Kaushal’s performance
_{Kaushal’s last film, Bad Newz, may not have done well at the box office, but his performance of the viral hit song Tauba Tauba lit up the stage. His smooth and elegant moves brought the audience to their feet, and he also performed other hits, including Tere Vaaste, Jagga Jiteya, and Bijli Bijli. The set concluded with a rousing performance of Mere Mehboob, joined by a group of young dancers and Shah Rukh Khan.}

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4. Emotional award acceptance by Bobby Deol
_{This marked a significant comeback for Bobby Deol, thanks to his impactful role in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s 2023 film Animal. After a long absence from the big screen, Deol returned in style. As the audience erupted in cheers even before he was announced as the winner, a tearful Deol gave a heartfelt speech, crediting his wife for standing by him during his darkest days. He even performed his famous Jamal Kuddu dance step, with a glass tumbler balanced on his head, as a gesture of gratitude.}

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5. Rekha’s grand finale
_{Golden era actress Rekha is known for her mysterious aura, often staying private about her personal life and away from the spotlight. So, her performance at the IIFA Awards 2024 was both shocking and thrilling.
Dressed in pink and gold, adorned with Kundan-style jewels, Rekha brought old Bollywood charm to the stage, performing a set of retro classics like Mohe Panghat Pe, Piya Tose Naina Laage Re, and Inhi Logon Ne. She concluded with Pardesiya, leaving the audience mesmerized. The choreography, by Ganesh Acharya, reflected the actress’s timeless energy, making it a fitting end to the night’s festivities.}

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