Actor Vicky Kaushal expressed his excitement on Friday about hosting this year's International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards, highlighting how special it is for him to share the stage with Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan. 


The grand three-day IIFA event kicked off at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, marking the third time the awards have been hosted at the glamorous destination. Telugu star Rana Daggubati, alongside Teja Sajja, began the festivities on Friday by hosting IIFA Utsavam, leading up to the main IIFA Awards ceremony on Saturday. The much-anticipated event will be hosted by Shah Rukh Khan, filmmaker Karan Johar, and Vicky Kaushal. 


Vicky Kaushal to host IIFA Awards with Shah Rukh Khan


Kaushal, who is not only hosting but also performing at the event, has already begun rehearsals with Khan. He expressed his excitement at the press conference, saying, "I hosted IIFA last time, I'm hosting it this year and I'm also performing as well. This time it is a little bit special because I'm hosting with the most special human being ever, that's Shah Rukh Khan.” 


Kaushal also humorously explained why he was wearing sunglasses at the press conference. "The sunglasses I'm wearing are part of vanity but it also comes along with working with a man who works 24 hours straight, it's Shah Rukh Khan sir," Kaushal joked. He added that the glasses were also helping him hide his exhaustion from rehearsals. "A few hours ago, we were on stage rehearsing, so I’m wearing these to avoid looking like I’ve been out partying all night!" 


During the event, Kaushal also shared his admiration for Shahid Kapoor, saying that he has danced to Kapoor’s hit songs at several sangeet functions. "For three years straight, I performed the steps to 'Sari Ke Fall Sa' at sangeets," he said, before he and Kapoor briefly danced to each other's hit songs. 


Kriti Sanon is excited to watch Rekha's performance


Kriti Sanon, also present at the press conference, expressed her excitement about the 24th edition of IIFA, especially the performances by Rekha and Shah Rukh Khan.  


"I’ve been watching SRK host and perform at awards shows since I was a child, and seeing him live is thrilling," she said. "I’m also eager to see Rekha ma’am perform. I watched her in Bangkok once, and it was magical. This time, I’m watching from the front row!" 


Ananya Panday on IIFA 2024


Ananya Panday, who is attending the awards as a fan, shared her enthusiasm for the performances as well. "I’m excited to see everyone. Last year, I danced with Shahid, and this year I’ll be cheering for him. Shah Rukh sir, Rekha ma’am, Vicky, Kriti—everyone is going to be amazing," she said. 


Siddhant Chaturvedi and Abhishek Banerjee to host IIFA Rocks


Siddhant Chaturvedi and Abhishek Banerjee, set to host IIFA Rocks, are also looking forward to an exciting gala. Chaturvedi, making his IIFA debut, shared his excitement about being part of such a major event. "This is my first IIFA, and it’s an honor to share the stage with Shahid, Vicky, Kriti, and others," he said. "Thanks to IIFA, we all come together to represent Indian cinema." 


Banerjee, best known for his role in Stree, echoed the sentiment, saying, "It’s my first time at a big Bollywood event, and I can’t wait to watch all the stars perform." 


Singer Shilpa Rao, also present at the press conference, delighted the audience with renditions of her hit tracks Besharam Rang from Pathaan and Chaleya from Jawan, setting the tone for the musical extravaganza that is set to follow.