A
spectacular mix of Bollywood razzmatazz and high-octane performances by
International stars were the highlights of a glittering opening ceremony which
set the ball rolling for the fifth edition of the IPL here on Tuesday night.
The
69-year-old's baritone voice and inimitable style, coupled with a dance
performance choreographed by Shiamak Davar at the background gave an apt start
to the glittering ceremony, which set the stage for the 54-day extravaganza
featuring nine teams.
The
glamour quotient was at an all-time high as a galaxy of stars, led by megastar
Amitabh Bachchan, descended at the at the YMCA College of Physical Education
and set the stage on fire with their performance.
South
African percussion band First Project, composer DJ Ravi Drums and Colonial
Cousins then took the stage and churned out their brand of music, setting the
pulses racing.
Amitabh,
returning to work after two abdominal surgeries earlier this year, started the
proceedings for the evening with a rendition of a poem 'If I were to be born
again', written by renowned lyricist Prasoon Joshi.
"IPL
has grown from strength to strength and has established itself as a premiere
tournament. BCCI is extremely proud of this achievement. But who is the cause,
first the commitment of the players both international and domestic, who
participated in the event, the enthusiasm of the franchises and assistance of
the supporting stuffs and the cricket fans in India and around the world have
contributed to its great success. We expect IPL V to be no less," Srinivasan
said.
Two-time
title winners, Chennai Super Kings then took the stage and Priyanka Chopra
shared some light moments with the cricketers as she quizzed skipper Mahendra
Singh Dhoni and also taught Australian Doug Bollinger and Indian spinner R
Ashwin some dancing steps.
Bollywood
actress Priyanka Chopra then enthralled the audience with her dance and heroics
during her performance to the hit numbers from her films such as 'Don', 'Don 2'
and 'Kaaminey', which even saw India spinner Harbhajan Singh shaking a leg on
the stage.
Defending
champions CSK skipper Dhoni placed the trophy back on the podium and BCCI
president N Srinivasan and IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla then joined the players
on stage.
The
'Chammak Challo' of the Tinsel town, Kareena Kapoor then set the heart racing
with her dance numbers from films such as 'Ra One' and 'Agent Vinod'.
After
some Bollywood razzle-dazzle, Perry dished out a sumptuous musical treat and
performed some of her superhits such as 'fireworks' and 'California Girls',
leaving the audience not only mesmerised but also asking for more.
The
opening Nite then saw the oath taking ceremony by the skippers of the nine
teams, including retired Rahul Dravid and Australian Adam Gilchrist, as they
signed the MCC Spirit of Cricket pledge.
Bollywood
superstar Salman Khan then set the stage ablaze with his "Dhinka Chika'
act from the film 'Ready', followed by performances to some foot-tapping
numbers from 'Body Guard', 'Wanted', 'Partner' and 'Jab Pyaar Kiya To Darna
Kiya'.
Dazzling
fireworks lit up the evening sky as the ceremony which lasted about two and a
half hours came to end.
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