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The long-awaited Indian Super League has finally arrived, and like every tournament it started with a grand opening ceremony. It consisted of several stars from the Indian movie industry, among whom were Bollywood and South Indian legends, Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth. The show also saw the likes of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Alia Bhat perform on stage.The crowd at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai – also known as the Marina Arena – were fortunate to hear the national anthem from Oscar-winning music composer and singer A. R. Rahman. Here are the top 10 photos from the opening ceremony of the ISL.
#1 Fireworks
An amazing show of pyrotechnics was seen during the inauguration of the show. The fans were seen screaming with all their heart and were unable to get enough of the beautiful flares fly across the Chennai sky.
#2 Rajnikanth and Amitabh Bachchan
Indian cinema legends Rajnikanth and Amitabh Bachchan are seen sitting together during the ceremony. The duo were most likely discussing strategies the teams can utilize to win the game.
#3 Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Former Miss World Aishwarya Rai Bachchan gave a dance performance to liven the crowd present in Marina Arena. She is seen performing in front of a prop which is meant to resemble a sacred lamp.
#4 Participating team logos
Circular flags are unfurled over the pitch showcasing all the teams performing in the tournament. A giant ISL flag is placed over the center circle, and eight smaller ones depicting the eight teams participating unfurled around it.
#5 Classical Dance performance
A classical dance performance from performers wearing traditional white and gold sarees are seen.
#6 Sachin Tendulkar
Kerala Blaster co-owner and cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar goes around the ground with Rajnikanth waving at fans from a car. Tendulkar is seen wearing his team’s yellow jersey.
#7 The ISL Trophy
On the stage we can the ISL trophy, which was won by West Bengal side Atletico de Kolkata last year. Along with it are Rajnikanth, Nita Ambani, Aishwarya Rai and Alia Bhatt.
#8 Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt is seen performing on stage. The youngster managed to liven the crowd, as they were heard screaming on the top of their lungs when she was performing.
#9 Celebrities galore
In order from left to right we can see Arjun Kapoor, Sachin Tendulkar, Rajnikanth, Nita Ambani, Aishwarya Rai, and Alia Bhatt standing on the stage.
#10 Atletico de Kolkata players chilling out
Denzil Michael Franco and Amrinder Singh of Atletico de Kolkata are seen taking a break before the match on Gatorade coolers. They were kind enough to pose for the photos while they were preparing themselves for the match.
