Hockey World Cup 2018 opens to a glittering ceremony by SRK, Madhuri Dixit, AR Rahman
The men's Hockey World Cup Opening ceremony saw enthralling performances by Bollywood heart-throb Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and A R Rahman on Tuesday in Bhubaneswar.
A powerful message of "oneness in humanity" was the highlight of the extravagant Openeing Ceremony of the 2018 men's hockey World Cup in the capital of Odisha. The 14th edition of the World Cup is all set to take place from November 28 to December 16. India, who are placed in Group C, will play their first match against South Africa on the first day. Belgium and Canada are the other two teams placed in the group.
The World Cup was declared open by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during the ceremony, attended by all 16 captains.
Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan made his entry in a golden chariot and recreated the Chak de India moment at the opening ceremony.
The ceremony showcased first-of-its-kind theatrical production - The Earth Song, which beautifully depicted the theme of the ceremony.
Written and directed by Nupur Mahajan, it featured Madhuri Dixit as the central character, Mother Earth.
AR Rahman brought to life his and Gulzar Saheb's composition ‘Jai Hind Jai India' with a live performance, which is the official song and tune of the World Cup. (Source: PTI)
The spectacular fusion dance performances were choreographed by Shiamak Davar. He was joined by 1100 artists who danced to the tunes created by Ranjit Barot.
