Actress Ananya Panday is preparing for a new milestone in her career as she gears up to make her hosting debut at the IIFA Awards 2027. The 27th edition of the IIFA Weekend and Awards is scheduled to take place at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on January 22–23 next year.
For Panday, the upcoming event holds personal significance as it marks a return to the city where her association with the prestigious awards show originally started. Reflecting on her professional evolution, she noted that her inaugural performance on the IIFA stage took place in Abu Dhabi, which makes this new responsibility as a co-host particularly meaningful.
Sharing her enthusiasm for the role, the “Student of the Year” actor described her long-standing connection to the ceremony. “Being a part of IIFA has always been incredibly special to me,” she said, adding that she grew up watching the event and seeing it celebrate Indian cinema. She expressed excitement about witnessing the unique energy, music, and artistry that define the global stage of the awards. I still remember the excitement of that moment. So to find myself a part of that incredible celebration of Indian cinema felt like a dream come true, i had grown up watching IIFA. Over the years, IIFA has become such a beautiful part of my journey.”. “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.
Actor Varun Dhawan also shared his excitement about returning to the Yas Island venue. He noted that IIFA has evolved from a simple awards night into a comprehensive global celebration of Indian film culture. “There is an incredible energy at IIFA that is difficult to describe until you experience it,” Dhawan remarked, highlighting the unique atmosphere created by the audience and artists. Celebrate our incredible talent and hopefully create a few more unforgettable IIFA moments along the way,”said Varun, i cannot wait to share the stage.
Dhawan added that hosting the awards at the Etihad Arena is a distinct honor, especially given the history of the event in Abu Dhabi. He expressed eagerness to join the stage, celebrate the industry’s collective talent, and contribute to the creation of new, lasting memories during the upcoming weekend festivities in the UAE capital.
