Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar is set to return as host of the IIFA Awards 2027 — marking his sixth time on the prestigious stage — when the 27th Edition of IIFA Weekend & Awards takes over Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on 22–23 January 2027. The announcement confirms one of Indian cinema's most familiar award-night voices is back for another marquee outing.

Karan Johar on What Keeps It Fresh

"IIFA and I go back a long way, and some of my most memorable moments on stage have happened here," Johar said. He added: "Six times as host sounds like a lot, but the excitement, the nerves and the sheer unpredictability of a live IIFA night never get old!"

Johar also spoke of the Abu Dhabi setting's pull on him: "There's a wonderful madness and magic to IIFA that you simply have to experience. Coming back to Abu Dhabi makes it even more special, and I'm ready for the laughter, the surprises and everything IIFA 2027 has in store."

A Split-Host Format for Two Ceremonies

The IIFA 2027 edition introduces a dual-host structure across its two nights. The IIFA Digital Awards 2027 will be hosted by actors Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal, while the flagship IIFA Awards 2027 will see Karan Johar co-host alongside actor Varun Dhawan — a pairing that marks Dhawan's debut as a co-anchor at the ceremony.

Star-Studded Performances Confirmed

The awards night is set to feature live performances by some of Bollywood's biggest names: Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Janhvi Kapoor are all confirmed to take the stage.

Salman Khan, who has been associated with IIFA since its earliest editions, spoke warmly about the event: "IIFA and I go back a long, long way. I have been part of this journey since its early years, and every time IIFA calls, there is a special feeling because it is not just an awards show, it is a celebration of our films, our people and the audiences who have given us so much love."

Khan added: "I have performed at IIFA across the years, but coming back to Abu Dhabi always feels different. I have a deep connection with this city, and some very special memories here. I am looking forward to coming back, performing, having some fun and celebrating Indian cinema with everyone. IIFA 2027 is going to be another big one, and I am happy to be a part of it."

IIFA's Abu Dhabi Chapter

Yas Island has emerged as a recurring IIFA destination, with the event leaning into Abu Dhabi's tourism-friendly infrastructure and its large South Asian diaspora audience. The Etihad Arena — one of the region's largest indoor venues — provides a fitting backdrop for a ceremony of this scale. This comes amid a broader push by Indian entertainment to anchor major awards properties in Gulf cities with strong NRI viewership and sponsorship ecosystems.

With the full host lineup, confirmed performers, and venue locked in, all eyes now turn to the nominations list and broadcast details, which are expected to be announced in the weeks ahead.