SOBHA IIFA ROCKS 2023: THE BEST OF MUSIC AND FASHION, ALL ON ONE
STAGE ON 26 TH MAY 2023 TO BE HOSTED BY FARAH KHAN & RAJKUMMAR RAO
PERFORMANCES BY AMIT TRIVEDI, ALONG WITH SEVERAL POPULAR
SINGERS, BADSHAH, SUNIDHI CHAUHAN, NUCLEYA & SUKHBIR SINGH
NEXA IIFA AWARDS 2023: 27 TH MAY 2023 TO BE HOSTED BY ABHISHEK
BACHCHAN & VICKY KAUSHAL
PERFORMANCES BY SALMAN KHAN, JACQUELINE FERNANDEZ, VARUN
DHAWAN, KRITI SANON, NORA FATEHI & RAKUL PREET SINGH
25 th May 2023, Abu Dhabi: The 23 rd edition of the International Indian Film Academy and
Awards (IIFA) got off to a sparkling start today. After the unprecedented success of IIFA 2022,
the 2023 Sobha IIFA Weekend and NEXA IIFA Awards, partnered by the Department of Culture
and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral, are back in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, by
popular demand. The prestigious brand NEXA continues as the title sponsor for the seventh
consecutive edition of the NEXA IIFA AWARDS. For the first time, it is joined by Sobha Realty
as the title sponsor of the SOBHA IIFA Weekend. The spectacular IIFA celebrations on Yas
Island are co-powered by the KUBER Group. The grandest celebration of Indian Cinema is all
set to thrill fans with its 23rd edition in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on May 26 th and 27 th , 2023.
The event will take place at the Middle East’s largest state-of-the-art indoor entertainment
venue, Etihad Arena, part of Yas Bay Waterfront on Yas Island. The Island is one of the world’s
fastest-growing leisure and entertainment destinations, located on the golden shores of Abu
Dhabi. Home to magical adventures and awe-inspiring entertainment, as well as three globally
renowned theme parks, outstanding motorsports, an award-winning golf venue and world-
class hospitality services, Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, is a destination like nowhere else. Alongside
the arena and Yas Bay, guests visiting Yas Island will also be able to enjoy a variety of
experiences. From award-winning theme parks, the record-breaking CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, the
capital’s largest mall, 160 dining options, a scenic beach and mangroves, luxurious hospitality
stays and so much more, there’s a lot to explore!
At a press conference held at W Hotel – Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, addressing the media were this
year’s hosts Abhishek Bachchan, Vicky Kaushal, Farah Khan and Rajkummar Rao along with
performers Salman Khan, Rakul Preet Singh, Nora Fatehi, Jacqueline Fernandez, Amit Trivedi,
Badshah, Nucleya, Sunidhi Chauhan and Iulia Vantur
Joining them were PNC Menon, Taghrid Al Saeed, Executive Director of Group Communications
and Destination Marketing at Miral, Hans Fraikin – Film and Television Commissioner and
Sandeep Walia, among other dignitaries for the highly anticipated event that promises to be a
mélange of glitz and glamour.
Sobha Realty would be presenting the star-studded IIFA Weekend as Title Sponsor of the
SOBHA IIFA Weekend, SOBHA IIFA Rocks 2023 and Co-Presenter of the NEXA IIFA Awards.
The celebrations are co-powered by KUBER Group.
Commenting on the IIFA collaboration, Ravi Menon, Co-chairman of Sobha Realty,
said,
“We are delighted to be the title sponsors of the 23rd edition of IIFA Weekend. The event
will witness the presence of the who’s who of the Indian film industry with the glitz and
glamour that makes Indian cinema widely popular. With a rich culture of performing arts in our
nation itself, we are honoured to recognize and celebrate the long-standing allure of Indian
cinema and its outstanding contributors. Indian films are watched across the world, and we are
pleased to welcome the numerous actors, artists, and talents of our nation, further bringing
Indian cinema to a global audience. IIFA Awards recognizes the highest quality and artistic
expressions in the Indian film sector, just like we at Sobha Realty recognize the value of
quality, art, and design in our work.”
NEXA from Maruti Suzuki India Limited stands committed to IIFA continuing their partnership
for the seventh consecutive edition as the Title Sponsor of the NEXA IIFA Awards. As the world
looks forward to this year’s celebration of Hindi cinema with music and fashion at yet another
exotic destination, the content promises to be aspirational and entertaining. With its growing
popularity across the world, IIFA today is recognized as a global institution in its own right,
and a platform that is recognized as the most engaging celebration of Indian cinema.
Mr Shashank Srivastava, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales,
Maruti Suzuki India said, “NEXA has always been at the forefront of innovations and
Curating Impeccable Experiences that not only Impress but Inspire. By foraying into the fields
of Fashion, Music and Journeys, NEXA has successfully created and inspired multiple unique
experiences for its customers. It is for this very reason that NEXA has collaborated with IIFA,
which is a platform to recognize India’s top creative talent in the world of cinema and celebrate
the best in cinema arts. The association is in its 7th year and both NEXA and IIFA are
challenging the status quo to create experiences that are unique and inspiring. With IIFA, we
have a perfect association as we share a common vision of creating global experiences, which
has established the premium imagery of both brands. We look forward to IIFA 2023 which will
be held at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi to inspire our new-age consumers who seek global
experiences in their everyday lives.”
Vinit Mallu, Managing Director, Kuber Group said “’Celebrate the Fusion of Cultural
Excellence and Authentic Flavours’ is our inspiring mission, which we are promoting through
cooperation between Kuber Group and IIFA. This mission emphasises the original flavours
provided by the wide range of products offered by the Kuber Group while focusing on the core
values of both companies. By showcasing the harmonic fusion of art, culture, and gastronomic
pleasures, this cooperation hopes to inspire and engage audiences everywhere with really
unique experiences. We are pleased to have worked with IIFA 2023 to align these two pillars of
excellence in order to advance the mission’s goals of promoting worldwide cultural awareness,
gastronomic diversity, and the beauty of Indian cinema.”
Joining as the official travel partner is Ease My Trip – one of India’s leading online travel
aggregators, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi – Country of Host, W Abu Dhabi – Official Host Hotel, LuLu
– UAE Promotions Partner, Nabila – Official Hair and Makeup Partner, Izhaar – Official
Invitation Partner and High Note – Official Hospitality partner – where you can savour the best
of Views and Vibes from Dubai’s coolest rooftop lounge, panoramic views, infinity pool,
speciality sundowners, vogue shishas, live music and more.
H.E. Saleh Mohamed Saleh Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism, DCT Abu Dhabi
said, “We are pleased to host the IIFA Awards once again in Abu Dhabi since it marks a
significant turning point for our dynamic entertainment calendar. Our relationship with India,
which is based on shared cultural and economic interests, has been boosted even further by
the fact that Abu Dhabi has served as the setting for a number of Bollywood blockbusters,
allowing people all over the world to learn about our stunning country. The biggest celebration
of Indian cinema will take place in Abu Dhabi, and we are excited to welcome the illustrious
actors, directors, and members of the Indian film community, as well as their supporters.”
Taghrid Alsaeed, Executive Director of Group Communication and Destination
Marketing said, “We are honoured to once again be hosting the esteemed IIFA Awards 2023
on Yas Island. This exceptional event, set to unite remarkable movie stars on the island,
further reinforces our commitment to positioning Yas Island as a global destination for leisure
and entertainment. We have a relentless pursuit of excellence and are committed to ensuring
all that who visit us create memories that last a lifetime. I can’t wait to witness the fans’ finally
getting to meet their idols and have a memorable weekend on Yas Island. Through events like
these, we continue to support Abu Dhabi’s vision to becoming a leading global tourism hub, as
well as contributing to the Capital’s growth and economic diversification.”
IIFA 2023 will kickstart the mega celebrations tomorrow – 26 th May 2023 with Sobha IIFA
Rocks hosted by Farah Khan Kunder and Rajkummar Rao and will feature performances by
Amit Trivedi, along with several popular singers, Badshah, Sunidhi Chauhan, Nucleya and
Sukhbir Singh.
The most highly awaited special addition this year to the Sobha IIFA Rocks is the premiere of
an exclusive showcase by leading celebrity designer, Manish Malhotra, who is celebrating 25
years in the fashion industry.
Host of Sobha Realty IIFA Rocks 2023, Farah Khan says, “IIFA is a real example of a
worldwide phenomenon that not only recognises and honours the excellence of Indian cinema
on a global scale but also offers the entire film industry a terrific opportunity. Personally, I am
overjoyed to host IIFA Rocks once again.”
Sobha Realty IIFA Rocks 2023, Co-host Rajkummar Rao said “I think that I am IIFA’s
biggest fan. Together with Farah Khan, I am incredibly honoured and thrilled to co-host IIFA
Rocks. The prospect of having fun and making memories excites me. It’s going to be a blast.”
The grand finale – Nexa IIFA Awards will take place on 27 th May 2023 and will be hosted
by Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal along with electrifying performances by Bollywood
superstars Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Nora Fatehi and
Rakul Preet Singh.
Speaking on the occasion, co-host of Nexa IIFA Awards – Abhishek Bachchan said, “I
am thrilled to return to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. It will be an absolute pleasure and honour to
entertain and meet fans from all over the world. Looking forward to hosting the IIFA Awards.”
Co-host of Nexa IIFA Awards – Vicky Kaushal shared, “My journey with IIFA has been
tremendously exciting over the years and I can’t wait to be on stage and co-host IIFA Awards
2023 with my buddy Abhishek Bachchan!”
One of the highlights of the Sobha IIFA weekend is a set of masterclasses designed for film
buffs, aspiring filmmakers and enthusiasts. The masterclass series features, ‘Director’s Cut’
with Kabir Khan and Omung Kumar along with a must-attend session by celebrity hair and
makeup artist Nabila.
This year, Kamal Haasan, Hrithik Roshan, Anil Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Riteish & Genelia D’Souza,
Sunny Kaushal, Mouni Roy, Fardeen Khan, Esha Gupta, Mrunal Thakur, Dia Mirza, Rashii
Khanna, Sheeba Chaddha, Neelam Kothari, Bhavna Pandey, Maheep Kapoor and Seema
Sajdeh will all be walking the green carpet. Producer Ramesh Taurani along with other movie
moguls, Boney Kapoor, Bhushan Kumar, Jayantilal Gada, Anees Bazmee and R Madhavan are
expected to attend the IIFA Weekend and Awards.
