The singer revisits a memorable IIFA connection with classic hits and a special musical reunion.
- Himesh Reshammiya returns to IIFA nearly two decades after his debut.
- The singer will perform beloved chartbusters at Etihad Arena in January.
- Afsana Banaya Aapne brings Himesh and Emraan Hashmi together again.
- The IIFA Digital Awards take place on Yas Island on January 22.
There are Bollywood songs that can turn an ordinary drive into a full-volume singalong, with the chorus remembered long after the film credits roll. For fans who grew up with early 2000s Hindi film music, Himesh Reshammiya’s unmistakable voice brings back a particular era of dramatic hooks and instantly recognisable melodies. This January, that nostalgia gets a live stage at the IIFA Digital Awards 2027 in Abu Dhabi.
The singer will headline the digital awards on 22 January at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, as part of the 27th edition of IIFA Weekend and Awards, running across 22 and 23 January. For UAE-based Bollywood fans, it’s a chance to trade familiar playlists for the atmosphere of a live performance. Expect a night built around music and memories.
Some songs are tied to a specific time in life, whether they played through a friend’s car speakers, filled a college canteen or became the soundtrack to a first heartbreak. Reshammiya’s connection with IIFA reaches back to 2006, when he performed at the ceremony and won an IIFA Award for Aashiq Banaya Aapne. Now, he returns to a stage that already holds a chapter of his musical history. It’s a meaningful comeback.
Fans can also look forward to a mix of his best-known chartbusters and his latest hit, Afsana Banaya Aapne. The track carries an extra layer of nostalgia, bringing Reshammiya and actor Emraan Hashmi together again after 20 years. For listeners who remember their earlier musical collaborations, that reunion adds a personal note to the performance. Some memories never really fade.
The appeal of a live Bollywood show lies in the shared moments: friends singing the hook before the singer reaches it, strangers recognising the same melody, and an entire arena responding to a familiar refrain. At Yas Island’s Etihad Arena, those moments will unfold during a weekend celebrating Indian cinema and entertainment. It’s a night out with a soundtrack many fans already know.
For Abu Dhabi residents and visitors travelling from Dubai, the event also offers a reason to plan a winter evening around Yas Island’s entertainment scene. IIFA Weekend brings two days of celebrations to the destination, with the Digital Awards on 22 January followed by the main IIFA Awards on 23 January.
Tickets for the IIFA Digital Awards 2027 are on sale through Etihad Arena’s official booking page. For anyone who still remembers the lyrics to Aashiq Banaya Aapne, this could be a chance to hear a familiar voice bring old favourites back to life. Check ticket availability and plan ahead for the Abu Dhabi show.
Tickets are now on sale! Book at: https://www.etihadarena.ae/en/event-booking/iifa-digital-awards-2027
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