From Shah Rukh Khan to Anushka Sharma: Electrifying IPL opening performances over the years

The 2025 IPL season is about to kick off with a bang on March 22 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The opening ceremony promises to be a spectacle, featuring electrifying performances by Bollywood star Disha Patani, soulful singer Shreya Ghoshal, and Punjabi sensation Karan Aujla. Following this dazzling show, defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders will face off against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the tournament's first match. Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most unforgettable opening performances from IPL's past, which have always left fans mesmerized and eager for more!

The IPL 2012 opening ceremony in Chennai was truly special, thanks to international pop star Katy Perry. She brought the house down with her electrifying performance, singing ‘Teenage Dream’ and other hits. Katy embraced Indian culture by wearing a sparkling choli, a maang tika, and bindis, making her act even more spectacular. The energy she brought to the stage was infectious, and fans couldn’t get enough of her dazzling presence. Other Bollywood stars like Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, and Priyanka Chopra also made their appearance, making it a night to remember.

The 2013 IPL opening ceremony in Kolkata was a full-blown party! Bollywood’s King Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, teamed up with Deepika Padukone and international rapper Pitbull to deliver a high-energy performance. The crowd went wild as they grooved to Bollywood and international hits, with SRK charming everyone with his signature moves. Deepika and Katrina Kaif set the stage on fire with their dance numbers, and to top it off, the trio ended the night with ‘Gangnam Style,’ sending the crowd into a frenzy.

In 2015, the IPL opening ceremony in Kolkata was a star-studded affair, featuring Bollywood’s finest. Hrithik Roshan, known for his mind-blowing dance skills, left everyone in awe as he grooved to ‘Bang Bang,’ ‘Tu Meri,’ and ‘Dhoom Again.’ Anushka Sharma added a touch of elegance with her stunning performance, dancing to some of her most popular Bollywood tracks. Fans couldn’t help but notice Virat Kohli in the audience, watching Anushka perform with a big smile. It was a magical night, filled with energy and Bollywood charm.

The 2016 IPL opening ceremony in Mumbai had a mix of international and Indian stars. American R&B singer Chris Brown made his India debut and had the audience grooving with his hip-hop beats. Joining him were DJ Axwell and Major Lazer, who amped up the energy with their electronic music. Bollywood’s Ranveer Singh added his signature crazy energy with a high-voltage dance act, while Jacqueline Fernandez and Katrina Kaif brought their glam factor to the show. It was a night full of electrifying performances that had fans on their feet!

In 2023, the opening ceremony at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad had a soulful start with India’s beloved singer, Arijit Singh. His voice filled the stadium as he performed ‘Kesariya’ and ‘Deva’ from ‘Brahmastra.’ The moment became even more special when cameras captured MS Dhoni enjoying the performance from the dugout, sending fans into a frenzy. Tamannaah Bhatia and Rashmika Mandanna then took the stage, delivering power-packed dance performances, while a stunning drone show lit up the sky. It was an unforgettable mix of music and dance.

The 2024 IPL opening ceremony in Chennai was nothing short of grand. Music maestro A.R. Rahman took center stage, delivering a breathtaking performance with classics like ‘Jai Ho’ and patriotic tunes like ‘Vande Mataram.’ His music created an electrifying atmosphere, making fans feel the spirit of the game. Bollywood action hero Akshay Kumar brought high-energy moves, performing to ‘Jai Jai Shiv Shankar’ and ‘Main Tera Hero.’ Singers Sonu Nigam, Neeti Mohan, and Mohit Chauhan also added to the musical magic, making it an evening to cherish.