Kolkata (West Bengal) [India]: The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicked off in grand style at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, where Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan and cricket icon Virat Kohli stole the show during the opening ceremony.
Shah Rukh Khan, renowned for his captivating stage presence, energized the packed stadium with his charisma and wit. While addressing the audience, he set the mood for the evening with his famous dialogue:
“Party Pathan ke ghar pe rakhoge toh mehman nawazi ke liye Pathan khud aayega aur patake bhi layega.”
One of the most electrifying moments of the night was when SRK referred to former RCB captain Virat Kohli as the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) of the IPL, acknowledging his unwavering loyalty to the franchise.
“Virat bhai is the only player who has been associated with just one team in the entirety of the IPL. He is the OG. The GOAT of IPL,” said Shah Rukh before inviting Kohli on stage.
The stadium erupted in ‘Kohli! Kohli!’ chants, which SRK himself joined. The highlight of the night was the Bollywood-meets-cricket moment when Shah Rukh and Kohli danced together to the hit song ‘Jhoome Jo Pathaan.’ Fans quickly flooded social media with videos of the duo’s energetic performance, making it a viral sensation.
Before dancing with Kohli, SRK also shared the stage with KKR star Rinku Singh, who grooved to the song ‘Lutt Putt Gaya’ from Shah Rukh’s film Dunki. The hilarious moment had Kohli laughing in the audience.
Apart from SRK’s electrifying presence, the opening ceremony featured musical performances by Shreya Ghoshal, Punjabi singer Karan Aujla, and a dazzling dance act by Disha Patani.
Following the star-studded extravaganza, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) faced off in the opening match of IPL 2025.
The fusion of Bollywood and cricket at the IPL 2025 opener created a thrilling atmosphere, leaving fans with unforgettable memories from the night.