Pankaj Tripathi is set to make his hosting debut at the IIFA Digital Awards 2027, but the actor admitted that the responsibility has left him nervous. Known for his soft-spoken nature, Pankaj will share hosting duties with his Mirzapur co-stars Ali Fazal and Abhishek Banerjee at the ceremony scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi next year.
The trio recently attended the IIFA 2027 press conference in Mumbai, where they spoke about their upcoming hosting responsibilities and shared a glimpse of their camaraderie off screen. While Ali Fazal discussed the box-office performance of Mirzapur The Movie, Pankaj opened up about his apprehensions about taking the stage as a host for the first time.
Ali Fazal Talks About Mirzapur The Movie's Box-Office Performance
Mirzapur The Movie collected in excess of Rs. 200 crores at the domestic box office. Reflecting on the film's performance, Ali spoke about its contribution to theatrical business at the press conference. “Hosting is fine, but this year we have contributed to the box office in a little way.”
He further expressed gratitude for the response the film received from audiences, adding, “We are very happy with all the love. We managed to bring a few people to the theatres with our film Mirzapur,” Ali added.
Pankaj Tripathi Opens Up About His IIFA 2027 Hosting Debut
While Abhishek Banerjee recalled hosting the IIFA Awards twice and Ali Fazal mentioned his previous experience at the event, Pankaj will be stepping into the role for the first time. Introducing him to the stage, Ali said, “There’s a third person who will be hosting for the first time, so we want to give him a little warm-up. Let’s welcome Pankaj Tripathi to the stage.”
Speaking about his upcoming stint, Pankaj admitted that hosting was unfamiliar territory for him. He said, “I am very scared because I am not used to hosting. I am soft spoken. I talk slowly, and I have seen people often shout while hosting. So I am scared who will listen to my soft speech there.”
The actor also offered a humorous take on how he plans to approach the responsibility, saying, “I will make my hosting feel spiritual. It should feel like this man will transform life today. I will transform the audience, their soul with my hosting. Their lives will change. It won’t be just an award. I will be more of a ghost than a host. I might make mistakes.”
All About IIFA 2027
The 26th edition of the IIFA Awards will be held at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi on January 22 and 23, 2027. The IIFA Digital Awards will take place at the Etihad Arena on January 22, with Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal and Abhishek Banerjee hosting the event. The ceremony will also feature performances by Himesh Reshammiya and Sunidhi Chauhan.
The main awards ceremony, scheduled for January 23, will see Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan, Ananya Panday and Maniesh Paul take on hosting duties. The IIFA Awards 2027 will also be livestreamed on YouTube.
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