Farhana Bodi is a Dubai-based model and television personality who founded the women’s lifestyle platform I Woman of the World in 2017, a hub for fashion and beauty content that champions women. Born in India and raised in South Africa, she went to makeup school at 17 and started modeling in 2010. Dubai has been her home for eighteen years and counting, and she speaks four languages, fluent in Hindi and Gujarati as well as English and Arabic.
Her screen résumé opened on MTV’s Paris Hilton’s Dubai BFF in 2011 and grew to include the Netflix series Dubai Bling in 2022. In 2020 she opened the Atelier Zuhra show at London Fashion Week, and she has walked the Cannes red carpet too. The Mantena wedding in Udaipur welcomed her as a VIP guest, where Jennifer Lopez performed. Earlier this year she closed the VAZANEH by Prbhjiit Maniktala debut at Bombay Times Fashion Week in Mumbai as the showstopper.
Farhana Bodi Brings Black Tailoring to IIFA Insider
Farhana Bodi struck a pose in front of the golden IIFA Insider backdrop wearing a black oversized blazer featuring broad shoulders and two large front buttons. A black and white top peeked out under the lapels, and fitted knee length cycling shorts finished the outfit. Her long, straight dark hair fell past the jacket, and slim black sunglasses gave the whole look a cool edge. Marquee bulbs spelled out the event name above her, and a gleaming trophy glowed at the edge of the backdrop. Black against that gold made the outfit pop right away, and the big blazer gave her a relaxed, easygoing swagger that suits party season. It is a styling lesson in keeping things simple while still turning heads at the biggest night out on the Bollywood calendar.
The Sky Blue Bag Adds a Splash of Color
A sky blue top handle bag sporting golden handles was the single burst of color, held low in her hand. That shade of blue pops against the dark blazer, and the golden handles echo the glow of the backdrop. Glossy black slim-heeled sandals keep the leg line long, and the sunglasses add a touch of mystery. Sticking to a single dark shade for everything else lets the bag grab every camera. Anyone planning an IIFA season wardrobe can copy this formula easily: an oversized blazer and fitted shorts, topped off by a bright bag. It is a quick recipe for a head turning entrance, and it works for a fan heading to a watch party and for a guest on the carpet.
Karan Johar and Varun Dhawan Lead a Four-Host Lineup
IIFA 2027 is making history on the hosting front. Karan Johar and Varun Dhawan lead the main ceremony on January 23, and Maniesh Paul and Ananya Panday join them on stage. Four hosts is a first for the IIFA Awards, and the lineup promises plenty of laughter and charm. Karan Johar brings his signature flamboyance. Varun Dhawan brings an electrifying presence to the stage. Maniesh Paul adds comic timing, and Ananya Panday adds a fresh, youthful appeal. Hindi cinema fans could hardly ask for a livelier group to run the show.
A day earlier, on January 22, Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal host the IIFA Digital Awards. Pankaj makes his debut as an awards show host, so fans get a brand new side of an actor among the best loved in Hindi cinema.
Four Superstars Take the Stage in Abu DhabI
The performer list is a crowd pleaser. Salman Khan returns to the IIFA stage in Abu Dhabi after several appearances at the awards in past editions, and he is a familiar favorite for the Abu Dhabi crowd. Shahid Kapoor has appeared at IIFA as an actor and as a host, and this January he returns to perform. Kareena Kapoor Khan makes a grand return to the stage in Abu Dhabi, which has fans buzzing already. Janhvi Kapoor joins the performer lineup too, and her fans have plenty to look forward to.
These four bring a loyal fan base of their own, so expect a roaring arena. Abu Dhabi loves a big Bollywood performance, so a spectacular evening awaits. Expect big numbers and big smiles as every star takes the spotlight.
Farhana Bodi and the Countdown to Abu Dhabi
The 27th IIFA Weekend and Awards fills Etihad Arena on Yas Island on January 22 and 23, 2027, marking the fourth edition in the UAE capital. Tickets for the main ceremony start at Dh100, doors open at 6pm, and the show begins at 7:30pm on January 23. Tickets are on sale now at Etihad Arena.
The buzz is already building. At the IIFA Insider evening at Salvaje Dubai in September, Farhana Bodi was among the guests, Varun Dhawan joined the gathering for a special interaction, and IIFA founder Andre Timmins told fans about the next chapter of the awards. That evening gave a taste of January, and her black and blue outfit gives everyone a head start on the dress code. Mark the dates and pick the outfit, since a big night in Abu Dhabi awaits.
