In his signature baritone, Bachchan set the stage alive with a heartwarming poem written by lyricist Prasoon Joshi.
This was the actor’s first stage appearance after undergoing abdominal surgery. He looked hale and hearty as he came on stage wearing velvet coat and trousers, to recite “Janam Yadhi Phir Se Mile”.
The 69-year-old was accompanied by dancers from the Shiamak Davar troupe, who described the essence of the poem through their performance.
His routine was followed by Colonial Cousins, DJ Ravi Drums and Soth African percussionist group 1st Project who mesmerised with their peppy numbers.
Bollywood’s “junglee billi” Priyanka Chopra then took the packed audience unexpectedly when she went up within the air during her performance, and got cricketer Harbhajan Singh to bounce a little bit jig along with her.
Looking chic in a black and white sequinned top, black pants and a red wrap-around skirt, the actress opened her act together with her popular song “Aaj ki raat”.
She did away with her skirt for a sporty look as she was pulled up within the air with a harness for an aerial act at the “Don” tune. The 29-year-old mesmerised the audience along with her confidence, and landed at the stage for a power-packed dance at the number “Dhantanaa” from the film “Kaminey”.
She moved around within the audience, and urged front row members, including Sourav Ganguly and Harbhajan Singh, to bop. Bhajji, because the latter is lovingly called, was sporting enough to stand up and join her for a jig.
Later, Priyanka took to the stage again to have interaction with the cricketers of title holders Chennai Super Kings, who're led by India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
She pulled Dhoni’s leg, and asked the men to sign up for her for a dance on hit Tamil song “Nakka mukka”.
Kareena Kapoor then stole many hearts when she danced to her chartbuster “Chhamak chhallo” and swayed to “Dil mera muft ka” however the cherry at the cake was her warm “Vanakkam”.
The packed audience cheered in unison for the 31-year-old as she came on stage wearing a blingy black overcoat.
“Kaun hai jisne mujhe mudke nahin dekha (WHO'S the one that didn’t turn around again to look me)” from her popular movie “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham”, played within the background as Kareena appeared on stage. And going by her flashy outfit, the dialogue suited the instant perfectly. Despite the fact that one wanted, one couldn’t miss her presence on stage.
Kareena set the stage on fire with “Chhammak chhallo”, “Pyaar ki pungi”, her latest mujra number “Dil mera muft ka” and grooved to a couple remixed versions of her songs like “Yeh ishq haaye”, “Teri meri prem kahaani” and “Criminal”.
Her performance was fairly long and vivacious and left the audience requesting more.
India’s own Michael Jackson, Prabhu Deva, performed some scintillating dance numbers as well.
The audience’s enthusiasm went as much as the following level because the Tamil superstar performed his signature moves to songs like “Main aisa kyun hun” from “Lakshya” and “Tera hi jalwa” from “Wanted” in his hometown.
The 39-year-old even went down the stage to mingle with the audience while shaking a leg and those were seen enjoying his performance to the fullest.
Indian cricket board president N.Srinivasan in his speech promised to assist 185 Indian cricketers with the proceeds from the four play-off stage matches.
Srinivasan said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may be distributing the proceeds among 185 international and domestic cricketers.
“The proceeds from the play-off matches can be distributed among former cricketers, who've represented India on the international level and likewise among domestic players. The BCCI will give a one time assistance to these cricketers and around 185 Indian cricketers will benefit. This is a small gesture from the BCCI to all individuals who have done yoeman’s service to Indian cricket,” he said.
Standing alongside the nine IPL team captains, Srinivasan said it was a proud moment for him.
“It is a proud moment for me to face here in this stage with nine captains. IPL has gone from strength to strength and has become probably the most premier tournament of the world,” he said.
Srinivasan also said that IPL has helped the BCCI to develop infrastructure for the game all around the country.
“We distribute proceeds from the IPL to all of the state associations to construct infrastructure. BCCI spends substantial amount on helping to develop the sport on the grass roots,” he said. – IANS
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