Reflecting the grandeur and exuberance of Indian festivities, the glitzy and technologically stunning opening of the eighth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL-8) began here on Tuesday at the Salt Lake stadium amid a replay of magical moments of the previous editions of the league.
The stadium erupted in celebrations even though thundershowers led to an hour-and-a-half delay.
The rain clearly failed to dampen the spirits of the nearly 15,000 patiently waiting cricket fans.
As the audience waited for the star performers -- Hrithik Roshan, Anushka Sharma and Shahid Kapoor -- to fire up the show, captains of the seven of the eight teams took the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Spirit of Cricket pledge by signing a bat.
Sunrisers Hyderabad captain David Warner was not present, and his teammate Shikhar Dhawan stepped in to sign the bat on behalf of the Australian.
Virat Kohli enjoys Anushka's performance at IPL opener
Star batsman and Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli was seen savouring the moves as his girlfriend, Bollywood beauty Anushka Sharma, set the floor afire with her performance at the glitzy opening ceremony of the Indian Premier League here on tuesday.
TV cameras kept zooming at Kohli as Anushka gyrated to the tunes of her popular movie songs at the Salt Lake Stadium here.
Seemingly embarrassed at first, the cricket icon was later seen smiling and watching the actress.
The hot and happening couple was on Monday spotted at the Kolkata airport together during their arrival for the IPL opener.
Hrithik Charms Kolkata At IPL-8 Opening
Performing in the city for the second time after 15 years, Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan on Tuesday cast a spell on his fans and sealed his connect with West Bengal during his nostalgic performance at the Indian Premier League (IPL-8) opening at the Salt Lake stadium here.
In the cool night air, Hrithik's fiery act against the backdrop of dazzling strobe lights and psychedelic floor projections stole the show even as Shahid Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and Farhan Akhtar put up power-packed performances.
The actor, who had his maiden live act after his stellar debut in "Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai" at the very same venue, made sure the Kolkata crowd got to see his best moves.
The actor also expressed his profound love for the city and remembered his part-Bengali heritage. Hrithik's grandmother Ira -- his father Rakesh Roshan's mother -- was a Bengali who married Punjabi musician Roshan.
Shouting out to his fans in Bengali, Hrithik instantly connected with the masses.
"Kemon acho Kolkata (How are you Kolkata?). Of all the places I go to, I receive the maximum love from Kolkata," he said.
His grunge style -- black vest and pants with spiked belts and shoes -- and ruffled hair added generous amounts of sex appeal and glamour to the event which had a line-up of other Bollywood biggies Shahid Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and Farhan Akhtar.
"IPL is a festival. It has Diwali ki dhoom (the Diwali euphoria), Holi ka rang (holi's colours), Eid ki mithaas (sweetness of Eid) and Christmas's presents," he said.
The actor also met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee earlier on Tuesday and promised to attend the 21st edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival to be held later this year. She also requested the actor to shoot in Kolkata, which the actor gladly accepted.
To show his respect and love for the city, Hrithik sported a stole during his act, which was gifted by the chief minister.
"And a very good thing happened today (Tuesday)... Mamata didi gave me a present... this stole. So I told her that I will wear this as a symbol of my love for this city of joy," he said to loud cheers from the stands.
