Mumbai, September 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The International Indian Film Academy Awards 2027 will bring together two sets of hosts for its upcoming edition in Abu Dhabi, with Karan Johar and Varun Dhawan set to host the IIFA Awards, while Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal will take charge of the IIFA Digital Awards.
The IIFA Awards 2027 will also feature performances by Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Janhvi Kapoor.
Salman Khan is set to return to the IIFA stage, bringing his star power to the celebrations. Reflecting on his association with the awards, Salman said IIFA and he go back to its early years and that the event holds a special significance for him as a celebration of Indian cinema, its talent and audiences.
“IIFA and I go back a long, long way. I have been part of this journey since its early years, and every time IIFA calls, there is a special feeling because it is not just an awards show, it is a celebration of our films, our people and the audiences who have given us so much love,” he said.
Salman also spoke about his connection with Abu Dhabi and Yas Island, saying he was looking forward to returning to the city, performing and celebrating Indian cinema with audiences.
“Yas Island has become a beautiful home for IIFA, and the energy that the audiences bring is something you can feel the moment you step onto that stage,” he added.
The awards will be held at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on January 22 and 23, bringing together leading names from Indian cinema and film enthusiasts from across the world.
Pankaj Tripathi, who will make his IIFA Digital Awards hosting debut alongside Ali Fazal, said the opportunity comes with excitement as well as some nervousness. He noted that he has spent much of his career in front of the camera and is now looking forward to taking on the different role of an awards-show host.
“For an actor, there are certain moments that come with a little extra nervousness and a lot of excitement and hosting the IIFA Digital Awards for the first time is definitely one of them,” Tripathi said.
He added that the digital space has transformed the way stories are created, discovered and appreciated, making IIFA’s recognition of the new generation of storytelling particularly meaningful.
Tripathi said he was honoured to celebrate the achievements of artists and creators and hoped to bring warmth and humour to the IIFA Digital Awards stage.
The 2027 edition promises a mix of awards, music and entertainment, with performers and hosts from across the Hindi film industry coming together in Abu Dhabi.
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