Ananya Panday will make her IIFA hosting debut in Abu Dhabi, joining Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan and Maniesh Paul on the IIFA Awards 2027 stage, organisers announced in a press release issued on 8 October 2026.
The 27th IIFA Weekend & Awards is scheduled for 22–23 January 2027 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. The supplied announcement poster identifies 23 January as the date of Panday’s awards hosting appearance.
A new role on the IIFA stage
Panday said returning to Abu Dhabi as a co-host was particularly meaningful because her first IIFA performance took place on Yas Island. She described the new role as an opportunity to celebrate Indian cinema alongside fellow performers and audiences.
The announcement marks a change from performing at the event to helping present the awards. Details are based on IIFA’s announcement and remain subject to the organisers’ updates.
Event details
The organisers directed audiences to Etihad Arena’s event page and Platinumlist for tickets. Readers can follow IIFA for further programme announcements.
Source: IIFA press release, 8 October 2026. Publicity image courtesy of IIFA.