Tens of thousands of individuals on the YMCA ground cheered lustily as Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Prabhudeva, Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra went through their routines during a pulsating two-hour colourful ceremony.
Perry, whose short-lived marriage in India came about two years ago, injected energy into the group along with her desi chic blingy choli, maang tikka and bindis and her top single "Teenage Dream".
The opening ceremony set the tone for the tournament beginning Wednesday that includes nine teams and a few of the world's best cricketers
Amitabh, who made his first large-scale public appearance post his abdominal surgeries, set the mood for the show by rendering a poem penned by Prasoon Joshi. His words were aimed to bring the spirit of cricket alive, and massive B's baritone only added more soul to it.
Amitabh looked hale and hearty as he came on stage wearing velvet coat and trousers, to recite "Janam Yadhi Phir Se Mile". The 69-year-old was accompanied by dancers from the Shiamak Davar troupe, who described the essence of the poem through their performance.
Following this, musical duo Colonial Cousins prepare an brisk symphony of sounds with DJ Ravi Drums and Soth African percussionist group 1st Project.
Priyanka submit a mesmerizing performance on her latest hits, and stunned the audience with an aerial act. She set the mood for some dancing as she moved around within the audience, urging cricketers to dance.
Priyanka took the packed audience abruptly when she went up within the air during her performance, and got cricketer Harbhajan Singh to bounce a bit of jig together with her.
Looking chic in a black and white sequinned top, black pants and a red wrap-around skirt, the actress opened her act along with her popular song "Aaj ki raat".
She did away with her skirt for a sporty look as she was pulled up within the air with a harness for an aerial act at the "Don" tune. The 29-year-old mesmerised the audience along with her confidence, and landed at the stage for a power-packed dance at the number "Dhantanaa" from the film "Kaminey".
Later, Priyanka took to the stage again to engage with the cricketers of title holders Chennai Super Kings, who're led by India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. She pulled Dhoni's leg, and asked the lads to sign up for her for a dance on hit Tamil song "Nakka mukka".
Kareena was another star performer. Be it "Chhammak chhallo" or "Dil mera muft ka", she stole the hearts of the audience away together with her perfect moves and lively performance. To not miss her blingy outfits, which made her stand out.
The packed audience cheered in unison for the 31-year-old as she came on stage wearing a blingy black overcoat.
"Kaun hai jisne mujhe mudke nahin dekha" from her popular movie "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham", played within the background as Kareena appeared on stage. And going by her flashy outfit, the dialogue suited the instant perfectly. Despite the fact that one wanted, one couldn't miss her presence on stage.
Prabhudeva, referred to as Indian Michael Jackson, enthralled the audience along with his scintillating, effortless and versatile moves.
The audience's enthusiasm went as much as the following level because the Tamil superstar performed his signature moves to songs like "Main aisa kyun hun" from "Lakshya" and "Tera hi jalwa" from "Wanted" in his hometown.
It was Salman's "Dhinka chika" performance, which was truly desi. Wearing red pants, Salman made a dramatic entry atop a truck with dancers, and his own cutout highlighted with bulbs. He danced on several of his tracks like "Teri meri kahaani", "Biodyguard", "Munni badnaam", "You wanna partner", et al.
Perry also adopted the vibrant desi avatar for her first performance within the country, where she tied the knot with now estranged husband Russell Brand in 2010.
Indian cricket board president N.Srinivasan in his speech promised to assist former cricketers with the proceeds from the four play-off stage matches.
He said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) could be distributing the proceeds among 185 international and domestic cricketers.
"The proceeds from the play-off matches can be distributed among former cricketers, who've represented India on the international level and in addition among domestic players.
The BCCI will give a one time assistance to these cricketers and around 185 Indian cricketers will benefit. This can be a small gesture from the BCCI to all folks who have done yoeman's service to Indian cricket," he said.
