Varun Dhawan to make hosting debut with Karan Johar at IIFA 2027 in Abu Dhabi

Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan is set to take on a new role at the International Indian Film Academy Awards as he turns host for IIFA 2027. The actor will co-host the main IIFA Awards with filmmaker and television personality Karan Johar, marking Varun’s first stint as the main host of the awards ceremony.

The 27th edition of IIFA will return to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi on January 22 and 23, 2027. The two-day event is expected to bring together actors, filmmakers, musicians and other members of the Indian entertainment industry for a mix of awards, performances and other events. IIFA has confirmed the return to Abu Dhabi, while its official line-up lists Varun and Karan as hosts of the main ceremony.

Varun has been a regular presence at Bollywood award shows, both as a performer and an award recipient, but IIFA 2027 will see him take responsibility for leading the main ceremony for the first time. The actor is known for combining comedy, dance and live performances, elements that are likely to form part of his hosting duties. His ability to interact with fellow actors and respond to unscripted moments will also be put to use as he shares the stage with Karan Johar.

For Varun, the hosting role brings



together several aspects of his career. He has worked across comedy, romance, action and dance-driven mainstream films and has also performed extensively at live events and award functions.

His association with several generations of Hindi film actors could also make celebrity interactions an important part of the evening. Rather than simply introducing awards, the hosts are expected to take the ceremony through its entertainment segments, performances and interactions with the stars in attendance.

While Varun is making his hosting debut at the main IIFA Awards, he will be sharing those responsibilities with Karan Johar. Karan has previously hosted major award ceremonies and is familiar with the combination of celebrity conversations, humour and scripted presentations that such events involve.

The main IIFA Awards will not be the only ceremony taking place during the 2027 weekend. Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal will host the IIFA Digital Awards 2027, which will focus on work created for the streaming and digital space.

This gives the IIFA weekend separate hosting teams for its main awards and digital awards, with the two ceremonies covering different sections of the entertainment industry.