Karan Johar to Host IIFA Awards 2027 in Abu Dhabi With Varun Dhawan

Karan Johar and Varun Dhawan to Lead IIFA 2027

Karan Johar is set to return as a host for the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2027, anchoring the main awards ceremony alongside Varun Dhawan. The 27th edition of the IIFA Weekend & Awards will take place at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on January 22 and 23, 2027.

Reflecting on his return to the stage, Johar noted that hosting six editions may sound like a lot, but the live event's unpredictability keeps him excited. He stated, “IIFA and I go back a long way, and some of my most memorable moments on stage have happened here. Six times as host sounds like a lot, but the excitement, the nerves and the sheer unpredictability of a live IIFA night never get old!”

Event Line-up and Schedule

The two-day celebration marks the event's return to Yas Island for its fourth Abu Dhabi showcase, bringing together actors, filmmakers, and performers from the Indian entertainment industry. The official IIFA announcement confirmed a line-up featuring Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Karan Johar, Pankaj Tripathi, and Ali Fazal.

While Johar and Dhawan will lead the main IIFA Awards ceremony, Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal are set to host the IIFA Digital Awards. Dhawan previously co-hosted the main ceremony in Abu Dhabi in 2024.