Shraddha, Monali set IPL opening ceremony on fire at Eden

Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor sent the crowd into raptures with her sizzling dance numbers while singer Monali Thakur performed her peppy hits to set the stage on fire at the Indian Premier League (IPL) extravaganza ahead of Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) first home game at the Eden Gardens here on Thursday.

In front of a half-full stadium with the match one-and-half hours away from the start, Shraddha, whose next film "Half Girlfriend" is scheduled for a May release, turned on the heat in the final segment of the 21-minute programme, dancing to her hit numbers.

Starting with "Tum Hi Ho" from the blockbuster "Aashiqui 2", the 30-year old shook a leg to "Galliyan" from "Ek Villain", "The Humma Song (OK Jaanu)" and "Main nachu aj Cham Cham Cham (Baaghi)" in front of father and veteran actor Shakti Kapoor who was in the stands.

Sporting a golden top and purple coloured track pants, the gorgeous Mumbaikar looked stunning.

Monali, who hails from the city, crooned a number of hits including "Moh Moh ke Dhaage", "Tune Mari Entriyaan" and the title track of Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya which drew the loudest cheers.

The function was a fusion of Bengal's traditional chhau dance and Punjab's bhangra, commencing with a performance by Shillong Chamber Choir.

The chhau dancers introduced the KKR team, while KXIP made an entry with the bhangra dance troupe in the third segment of the opening ceremony.

Home team captain Gautam Gambhir handed Aussie counterpart Glenn Maxwell a "Spirit of Cricket" token.

A one-minute AV was displayed showing the two- time IPL champions' journey from 2008 till now.

This is the first time that there are eight opening ceremonies taking place across eight venues.

--IANS

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