IIFA Awards 2027: Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan, Maniesh Paul & Ananya Panday Set To Co-Host the Blockbuster Night
The 27th IIFA Awards in Abu Dhabi's Yas Island will feature an unprecedented host ensemble of Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan, Maniesh Paul, and Ananya Panday. Together, the four stars aim to blend wit, comic timing, and fresh energy on an iconic global stage to celebrate Indian cinema.
In a first for the IIFA Awards, four dynamic Bollywood Stars - Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan, Maniesh Paul and Ananya Panday come together to take centre stage, bringing an unprecedented blend of wit, charisma, infectious energy and youthful spontaneity to one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated global stages. From Karan Johar’s signature flamboyance and Varun Dhawan’s electrifying presence to Maniesh Paul’s unmatched comic timing and Ananya Panday’s fresh, vibrant appeal, this exciting host ensemble promises a spectacular celebration packed with laughter, unexpected moments and entertainment that transcends generations. More than a hosting line-up, this landmark first reflects IIFA’s ever-evolving spirit where Bollywood’s biggest personalities, diverse talents and new-age energy converge to create a truly larger-than-life experience for audiences across the world. Four hosts. One iconic stage. Infinite entertainment. IIFA 2027 is set to redefine the art of hosting on a global scale. IIFA Awards 2027: Kareena Kapoor Khan Opens Up on Her Grand Stage Return in Abu Dhabi.
Karan Johar on bringing his signature energy back to the IIFA stage, said, “IIFA and I go back a long way, and some of my most memorable moments on stage have happened here. Six times as host sounds like a lot, but the excitement, the nerves and the sheer unpredictability of a live IIFA night never get old! There’s a wonderful madness and magic to IIFA that you simply have to experience. Coming back to Abu Dhabi makes it even more special, and I’m ready for the laughter, the surprises and everything IIFA 2027 has in store. ”
Star-Studded Host Lineup for IIFA Awards 2027
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Varun Dhawan shares his excitement on hosting IIFA said, “IIFA has always been a celebration that feels very close to the heart of every actor because it brings our entire film fraternity together in one place and then takes that celebration to the world. I have had some incredible memories with IIFA over the years, from performing on its stage to being part of its unforgettable celebrations in Abu Dhabi. There is an incredible energy at IIFA that is difficult to describe until you experience it — the audience, the artists, the music and that feeling of Indian cinema coming together on one global stage. To return to Yas Island and host the IIFA Awards is a huge honour. Abu Dhabi has become such a special part of IIFA’s journey, and I am thrilled to be coming back to a place where we have created so many incredible memories. IIFA has grown beyond an awards night into a celebration of everything that makes Indian cinema so loved around the world. I cannot wait to share the stage, celebrate our incredible talent and hopefully create a few more unforgettable IIFA moments along the way.”
Ananya Panday on making her hosting debut at IIFA said, “Being a part of IIFA has always been incredibly special to me. My IIFA journey began in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, with my very first-ever performance on that iconic stage. I still remember the excitement of that moment. I had grown up watching IIFA, so to find myself a part of that incredible celebration of Indian cinema felt like a dream come true. Over the years, IIFA has become such a beautiful part of my journey. With every experience, I’ve had the opportunity to grow, discover new sides of myself and create memories that I will always cherish. There is something truly magical about the IIFA stage, the energy, the scale, the audiences and the incredible coming together of talent from across our industry. To now be returning to IIFA 2027 in a completely new role as a co-host to IIFA Awards makes this experience even more special. To have the opportunity to be on that stage and celebrate some of the biggest stars, stories and achievements of Indian cinema is something I’m genuinely excited about. And to do it in Abu Dhabi, where my IIFA journey began, makes it even more meaningful. I can’t wait to be back, create new memories and celebrate the magic of Indian cinema with audiences around the world.” IIFA Awards 2027: Star-Studded Performers Lineup Announced As Tickets Go on Sale Worldwide.
Maniesh Paul on Bringing the Fun, Energy & Entertainment to the IIFA stage , “Hosting IIFA has been such a special part of my journey. I’ve had the privilege of being on this incredible stage multiple times, and every time IIFA comes around, that excitement and nervous energy is exactly the same. The live audience, the stars, the madness, the laughter, there’s simply nothing quite like it. To be returning as host for the 27th edition, and especially to be back at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, feels incredibly special. IIFA has given me some unforgettable memories over the years, and I feel genuinely grateful to be a part of its journey. I can’t wait to be back on that stage, share the madness with my co-host, celebrate our incredible cinema and create some more unforgettable IIFA memories!”
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 12, 2026 04:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
