PBL opening ceremony: Jacqueline Fernandez jazzes it up

Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez performs at the PBL's opening ceremony at in Worli on Saturday

Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez sizzled at the opening ceremony of the Premier Badminton League (PBL) at Worli's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium on Saturday.

Also read: Mumbai Rockets begin PBL campaign in style with 2-1 win over Awadhe Warriors

Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez performs at the PBL's opening ceremony at in Worli on Saturday. Pic/Atul Kamble

The Bollywood hottie swirled to some foot-thumping tracks like 'Chitiya Kalaiya' and 'Suraj Dooba Hai' from her movie 'Roy' and the very popular 'Hangover' number from the Salman Khan-starrer 'Kick'.

Also read: Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez all set to sizzle at PBL opening

Music composers Salim-Sulaiman also entertained the audience with their soulful songs. They ended their performance with the title track of 'Chak De, India!' to set the tone for the evening. Salim-Sulaiman, who composed the PBL anthem, were later forced recalled back on stage to sing the anthem live.

However, there weren't too many takers for the opening show as there were a lot of empty seats in the house. This despite the opening ceremony being delayed by an hour from the scheduled 4pm start.

Saina out injured
Saina Nehwal is the toast of Indian badminton. There was a huge roar when the World No 2 and Awadhe Warriors shuttler was introduced here on Saturday. (Read more)


Saina Nehwal

However, the excited Mumbaikars' hope of seeing Saina in action against Mumbai Rockets was dampened when the star shuttler announced her pullout from Saturday's game.

"For the last couple of weeks, I have an injury on my foot. This being an Olympic year, I want to play it safe. I tried hard if I could play, but it wasn't possible. I am really sorry about this," she said.

Khiladi's absence
Bollywood action hero Akshay Kumar, who is the brand ambassador of PBL, skipped Saturday's opening ceremony due to his work commitments. "Unfortunately, Akshay could not be with us due to some work.


Akshay Kumar

But on Sunday he will be there for both the matches," informed Dr Akhilesh Das Gupta, president of Badminton Association of India and PBL chairman.