The IPL 2025 opening ceremony at Eden Gardens was nothing short of a grand spectacle, made unforgettable by Shah Rukh Khan, the beloved co-owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders. His magnetic presence and lively interactions with the crowd set the stadium buzzing with excitement. But the true show-stealing moment came when Shah Rukh invited none other than Virat Kohli to join him on stage.
Shah Rukh introduced Kohli to the thunderous applause of fans, calling him “the greatest of all time” and humorously labeling him the "OG Gen Old" of the IPL — a playful nod to Kohli’s unmatched loyalty to Royal Challengers Bangalore. Kohli remains the only player in IPL history to represent a single franchise since the league began in 2008, a testament to his unwavering dedication and legendary status in the sport.
Shah Rukh, ever the storyteller, shared a heartfelt anecdote about staying up late to watch a young Kohli bat during his Under-19 days. He praised Kohli’s journey from a rising star to a cricketing icon, calling him an inspiration to generations of fans and players alike. Then, in classic SRK style, he posed an interesting question, asking Kohli whether the seasoned veterans — the “generation gold” — would continue to shine or if the bold new wave of emerging talent would begin to take over the IPL stage.
Kohli, always composed and confident, responded with a blend of respect for the rising stars and a reminder that the experienced players still had plenty left to give. He acknowledged the strength and passion of the younger generation but asserted that the seasoned legends weren’t stepping aside just yet. “The bold generation is coming up very strongly,” Kohli said, “but the old generation is still here, ready to make an impact, still ready to play the game, and hopefully keep creating more memories for all these lovely fans for years to come.” His words resonated with the crowd, reminding everyone that while the future may be bright, the present — led by icons like Kohli — remains just as powerful.
Then came the moment no one expected but everyone would remember — Shah Rukh invited Kohli to dance with him. To the crowd’s delight, Kohli didn’t hesitate for a second. The two icons lit up the stage with an impromptu performance to the chart-topping song “Jhoome Jo Pathaan.” The crowd erupted into cheers as Kohli matched SRK’s infectious energy, swaying to the beats and showing off his playful side. The sight of India’s cricketing maestro dancing alongside Bollywood’s King Khan was a rare and joyous moment, one that transcended sports and entertainment.
The evening wasn’t just about performances, though — it set the tone for what promises to be an electrifying IPL season. It was a perfect blend of cricketing greatness and Bollywood charisma, reminding everyone why the IPL remains one of the most celebrated sporting events in the world. With Shah Rukh’s charm, Kohli’s fire, and the crowd’s unmatched enthusiasm, the 2025 season kicked off in truly unforgettable style — leaving fans eagerly awaiting the action on the field and the magic that’s yet to unfold.
