Ananya Panday to Make IIFA Hosting Debut, Joins Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan and Maniesh Paul for IIFA 2027

Ananya Panday is taking on a new role at Indian cinema’s biggest international celebration. The actor will make her hosting debut at the IIFA Awards 2027, joining Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan and Maniesh Paul as co-hosts of the 27th edition.

The two-day IIFA Weekend and Awards returns to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, with events at the Etihad Arena on January 22 and 23, 2027. The official IIFA website lists all four as hosts for the 2027 edition.

For Ananya, it is a homecoming of sorts — her IIFA journey began in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, where she delivered her first-ever performance on the IIFA stage. She said returning to the same destination as a co-host, to celebrate “some of the biggest stars, stories and achievements of Indian cinema,” makes the occasion especially meaningful.

Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Janhvi Kapoor are among the announced performers for the 2027 edition.

Sources: Bollywood Hungama; IIFA.