In a spectacular display of charisma and dance, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan brought the house down at the opening ceremony of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 on February 23. The highly anticipated event unfolded at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, with King Khan captivating the audience through a mesmerizing dance sequence on hits from his recent blockbusters ‘Jawan’ and ‘Pathaan’.
Before setting the stage ablaze, Shah Rukh Khan highlighted the theme of ‘Naari Shakti’ (women empowerment), commending women for breaking through societal barriers. His heartwarming speech concluded with best wishes to the WPL teams in the fierce competition that lay ahead.
Channeling the spirit of his ‘Pathaan’ character, SRK exuded star power as he energetically danced to “Jhomme Jo Pathaan” and the lively “Not Ramaiya Vastavaiya,” bringing attendees to their feet and resulting in a singalong with the electrified crowd. His dynamic performance was a true testament to the actor’s undying energy and remarkable crowd-connect even at 58.
The internet was quickly flooded with praises for the Bollywood icon as ‘King Khan’ trended within seconds on the micro-blogging website. Fans from across the globe shared their excitement and appreciation for the superstar’s performance with clips and comments amplifying the frenzy.
Amid the cheers and roaring applause, the WPL opening ceremony was a star-studded affair, kicking off with Kartik Aaryan’s zesty performance on behalf of the Gujarat Titans. He belted out hits like “Dheeme Dheeme,” thematic tracks from “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2,” and the peppy “Coca Cola,” setting a lively tone for the evening.
Following Aaryan’s invigorating act, Sidharth Malhotra took over, representing Delhi Capitals with a dynamic set of his popular numbers including “Kukkad,” “Raatan Lambiyaan,” and the ever-popular “Kaala Chashma.” Malhotra’s performance further amplified the excitement in the stadium as fans thronged to catch a glimpse of the star.
Tiger Shroff stormed the stage next with his jaw-dropping dance moves on catchy tracks like “Whistle Baja” and “Ghungroo.” His presence brought an edge to the Royal Challengers Bangalore team, with his signature acrobatic style accentuating the performance. Not to be outdone, Varun Dhawan for the UP Warriorz delivered an adrenaline-pumping act with “Apna Bana Le,” “Palat,” “Besharmi Ki Height,” and a reimagined “Muqabala,” leaving the audience in rapturous applause.
The crescendo of the star-studded night was further heightened with Shahid Kapoor’s entry. Making a spectacular entrance on a motorcycle accompanied by fireworks, Kapoor, with sheer magnetism, danced to “Nagada Nagada,” “Shaam Shandaar,” “Dhating Naach,” and “Laal Peeli Ankhiyan,” underscoring the celebratory atmosphere with his agile moves and infectious energy.
The stage lit up with each performance, but the Bollywood Badshah’s captivating showstopper act undeniably stole the show. As the inaugural Women’s Premier League embarked on its maiden journey, Shah Rukh Khan’s spellbinding tribute to ‘Naari Shakti’ and the sensational entertainment segment resonated with the overarching message of strength, vibrancy, and the indomitable spirit of women in sports. The grand opening ceremony was not just a showcase of stellar performances but also a celebration of India’s love for cricket and the country’s undying passion for cinema, perfectly embodied by the King of Bollywood.
