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Bollywood actress Ananya Panday brought her star power to the IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony, held at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday (March 31), captivating fans with a dazzling performance that set the tone for the match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Ananya Panday graces the Wankhede crowd with her charm
Dressed in a vibrant pink outfit, Ananya took the stage with an electrifying rendition of popular Bollywood tracks, including the hit song “What Jhumka,” originally performed by Alia Bhatt. Her performance was not just a display of dance but a celebration of Bollywood’s fusion with cricket, creating an atmosphere filled with excitement and glamour. As she danced, the crowd erupted in cheers, showcasing her immense popularity and the joy she brought to the event.
Here’s the video:
IPL 2025 embraces entertainment
The IPL 2025 season, which kicked off on March 22 with a grand opening ceremony at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, has embraced a new format this year. Each match features its own mini-celebration, making every game an event to remember. Ananya’s performance was part of this initiative, following earlier acts by renowned artists like Shreyas Ghoshal, Disha Patani and Karan Aujla during the opening ceremony in Kolkata.
Fans at Wankhede Stadium were treated to a spectacular show as Ananya’s dynamic choreography blended seamlessly with high-energy music, reinforcing the notion that IPL is as much about entertainment as it is about cricket. Her father, actor Chunky Panday, was present in the stands, proudly cheering for his daughter and sharing moments from her performance on social media.
Also READ: Here’s how much Bollywood actress Disha Patani charged for her performance at the IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony
Bollywood meets cricket
The IPL 2025 season is particularly significant as it marks 18 years of the tournament, and Ananya’s presence added a touch of nostalgia and celebration to this milestone. The actress has been attending IPL matches since its inception, often seen alongside her best friend Suhana Khan, whose father Shah Rukh Khan co-owns KKR. This connection further highlights the intertwining of Bollywood and cricket culture in India.
#SuhanaKhan looks disappointed as KKR’s performance not up to the mark today!
Hoping for the strong comeback🤞🏻#KKRvsMI #MIvsKKR pic.twitter.com/aRMjM53eni
— Suhana Khan (@SuhanaKhanClub) March 31, 2025