Dazzling opening ceremony launches IPL-V

A spectacular mix of Bollywood razzmatazz and high-octane performances by international stars were the highlights of a glittering opening ceremony that set the ball rolling for the fifth edition of the IPL in Chennai on Tuesday night.

The glamour quotient was at an all-time high as a galaxy of stars, led by megastar Amitabh Bachchan, descended at the at the YMCA College of Physical Education and set the stage on fire with their performances.

Amitabh, returning to work after two abdominal surgeries earlier this year, started the proceedings for the evening with rendition of a poem If I were to be born again, written by renowned lyricist Prasoon Joshi.

The 69-year-old's baritone voice and inimitable style, coupled with a dance performance choreographed by Shiamak Davar in the background provided an apt start to the glittering ceremony ahead of the 54-day extravaganza, featuring nine teams.

South African percussion band First Project, composer DJ Ravi Drums and Colonial Cousins then took the stage, churning out their brand of music.

Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra then enthralled the audience with dance to hit tracks from her films such as Don, Don 2 and Kaaminey, which even saw India spinner Harbhajan Singh shake a leg on the stage.

India's dancing sensation and Chennai's own Prabhu Dheva then burned the dance floor with a power-packed performance, dancing to songs from films like Wanted and Hum Se Hai Muqabla.