Tickets for the IIFA Digital Awards 2027 are now available, inviting fans to experience a celebration of India’s growing OTT and digital entertainment industry. The event will be part of the 27th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend & Awards, scheduled for January 22 and 23, 2027, at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
The two-day event will begin with the IIFA Digital Awards on January 22, followed by the main IIFA Awards ceremony on January 23. The celebrations will bring together leading actors, musicians, filmmakers and digital creators for a showcase of Indian entertainment on an international stage.
Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal and Abhishek Banerjee to Host IIFA Digital Awards 2027
Actors Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal and Abhishek Banerjee will host the IIFA Digital Awards 2027. The trio is expected to bring its individual style, humour and stage presence to the ceremony celebrating achievements in digital entertainment.
For Pankaj Tripathi, the occasion marks his first experience hosting an awards show. He expressed excitement about stepping into a new role after spending much of his career performing in front of the camera. He also highlighted the importance of recognising digital storytelling, which has transformed how audiences discover and enjoy content.
Tripathi said he was honoured to celebrate the work of talented artists and creators at IIFA. He also looked forward to bringing warmth and humour to the stage while experiencing the event from a different perspective.
Ali Fazal, meanwhile, spoke about how IIFA has evolved alongside changing audience preferences. He noted that the digital awards recognise stories and performances that have found audiences beyond traditional cinema.
Having previously experienced the energy of IIFA, Fazal said he was excited to return as a host. He also expressed enthusiasm about being back in Abu Dhabi and sharing the stage with Pankaj Tripathi for the celebration.
Abhishek Banerjee also welcomed the opportunity to co-host the ceremony on Yas Island. Reflecting on his association with IIFA, he said he was looking forward to reuniting with the IIFA family and celebrating the artists shaping India’s digital entertainment industry.
Himesh Reshammiya to Perform His Popular Hits
Singer and composer Himesh Reshammiya will add a musical highlight to the IIFA Digital Awards 2027 with a special live performance. Known for his popular songs and energetic stage presence, he is expected to entertain the audience with some of his best-known tracks.
Reshammiya described his return to IIFA as a meaningful moment in his musical journey. His association with the awards dates back to 2006, when he performed on the IIFA stage. He also received an IIFA Award for Aashiq Banaya Aapne.
The composer said he was looking forward to performing his timeless hits alongside his latest successful song, Afsana Banaya Aapne. The track brings him and actor Emraan Hashmi together again after 20 years, making the performance particularly significant for him.
Reshammiya added that performing in Abu Dhabi would give him another opportunity to connect with audiences through music. He also expressed excitement about returning to a platform that has played an important role in his career.
With three actors hosting the ceremony and Reshammiya leading the musical entertainment, the event promises a celebration of the artists and creative talent driving India’s digital entertainment sector.
IIFA Digital Awards 2027 to Celebrate OTT and Digital Storytelling
The IIFA Digital Awards aim to recognise the changing landscape of Indian entertainment as streaming services and digital platforms continue to influence how stories are created and consumed.
The awards will honour achievements across a range of categories, including films, series, acting performances, direction, original storytelling, reality and non-scripted programmes, docuseries, docufilms and music.
By bringing together established performers and emerging creators, the ceremony will celebrate the creativity, innovation and storytelling that define the digital entertainment industry.
The event also builds on IIFA’s longstanding role in presenting Indian entertainment to international audiences, recognising the growing contribution of OTT platforms to the industry’s development.
IIFA Weekend 2027 Returns to Abu Dhabi on January 22 and 23
The 27th edition of IIFA Weekend & Awards will take place at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on January 22 and 23, 2027.
Over more than 26 years, IIFA has brought Indian cinema, leading stars and audiences together across international borders. The 2027 edition will continue that tradition with a programme combining cinematic achievements, digital storytelling and live entertainment.
The IIFA Digital Awards will open the celebrations on January 22, followed by the IIFA Awards on January 23.
Tickets for the IIFA Digital Awards 2027 are now on sale, giving audiences an opportunity to attend the event in Abu Dhabi and celebrate the talent shaping Indian entertainment.