IPL 2009: Grand Gala Closing Ceremony as Katrina and Akon bring down curtains!

The IPL 2009 has seen tremendous response from all over the country. Though initial reports show lesser TRP rate, it has reached far more people that last year.

The event was a grand success as it was decided in the last minute to move out of India. The South African authorities made all the arrangements in a short time and made it a wonderful event for the cricketing world.

First year, it was Rajasthan Royals who occupied the presentation podium. RR beat CSK in the final to win the first edition of IPL.

Second year, the teams which finished last in the 1st edition clashed in the final. Hyderabad Deccan Chargers beat Bangalore Royal Challengers by 6 runs to clinch the title.

The closing ceremony was well planned with a wonderful orchestra. It had multiple events with all of them attracting the spectators. The fireworks, flying lanters

The ceremony started with the welcome address by Modi then an address by South African President Jacob Zuma. He thanked the organizers for choosing his country, thanked bolloywood stars Shahrukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Shilpa Shetty for coming to SA. He also mentioned that the team names have become household names across the county.

He further added that advertising spend, tourism potential and global exposure have benefited SA very well.

Around 1 500 flying lanterns were lit and released to the amazement of the crowds, while several thousand rounds of dazzling fireworks lit the Johannesburg skyline.

Katrina Kaif along with Akon gave a breath-taking performance. She danced well for the Oscar winning Jay Ho song.

Katrina entertained the audience to the fullest inspite of her team the Royal Challengers Bangalore losing to the Deccan Chargers Hyderabad.

The evening was also festooned with the performance of Eddy Grant who sang his popular number, "Walking In The Sunshine" and "Gimme Hope Jo'anna".

The Indo-African fushion was fantastic as it gave a wonderful cultural flavor to the audience.

After all these, the main event, trophies were presented to the winners. Momentos were given to umpires, medals were given to runners and winners.

Kumble took the man of the match for his 4 wickets. Rohit Sharma won the upcoming under-23 cricketer award, Hayden won the Orange Cap for leading run scorer, RP Sing the Purple Cap for leading the wickets tally, and Gilchrist the all-rounder award.

It was a fantastic end to the mega event! Congratulations to the organizers and everyone involved in the success of this event!

I don't fight with Girls: Sharukh Khan

In a chat with the private television channel anchor, Sharukh Khan said that he does not fight with girls. He mentioned that his son can fight, but not him. He can only hug and kiss them.

Mandira Bedi, one of the anchors of IPL in Set Max channel that broadcasts IPL season 2, asked Sharukh Khan on how he see the rivals Preity Zinta (owner of Kings XI Punjab) and Shilpa Shetty (owner of Rajasthan Royals). Sharukh replied smilingly, "I don't fight with girls. My son can. I can only love them, hug them and kiss them. In fact, all three of you (Preity Zinta, Shilpa and Manidera Bedi) were launched by me."