The 24th edition of the IIFA Awards kickstarted in Abu Dhabi on Friday night. The three-day awards began with IIFA Utsavam, an event dedicated to southern film industries – Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. On the IIFA green carpet in Abu Dhabi last night, actor Abhishek Banerjee told NDTV’s Abira Dhar what Shah Rukh Khan said to him about his recent performances. When asked what SRK whispered in his ear at IIFA conference in Mumbai earlier this month, Abhishek Banerjee replied, “Unhone mujhe gale lagaya and bola ke unhe mera kaam bahut pasand aya aur Vedaa mein bhi bahut pasand aya. Unhone meri dono pictures dekhi hain, guys (He hugged me and told me that he really liked my work, even Vedaa. He saw both my films).”

He added, “Once SRK hugs you, you feel you have arrived in this world. Ye dusra janam hai aapka (this is your second birth).” Abhishek Banerjee recently starred as Jana in Stree 2. He also starred in Vedaa this year.

Coming back to the IIFA Awards, the second day will be dedicated to Hindi films. The third day will focus on the Music Awards. Both the ceremonies will take place at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Shah Rukh Khan, Vicky Kaushal and Karan Johar will entertain the audience with their hosting stint at the IIFA Awards tonight.

The interesting line-up of performances includes Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Ananya Panday, Janhvi Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal and wait for it… Rekha.

 Abhishek Banerjee starred in Stree 2 and Vedaa recently