Priyanka makes Bhajji dance at IPL opener

Chennai, April 3 (IANS) Bollywood's "junglee billi" Priyanka Chopra took the packed audience at the opening ceremony of the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by surprise here Tuesday when she went up in the air during her performance, and got cricketer Harbhajan Singh to dance a little jig with her.

Looking chic in a black and white sequinned top, black pants and a red wrap-around skirt, the actress opened her act with her popular song "Aaj ki raat".

She did away with her skirt for a sporty look as she was pulled up in the air with a harness for an aerial act on the "Don" tune. The 29-year-old mesmerised the audience with her confidence, and landed on the stage for a power-packed dance on the number "Dhantanaa" from the film "Kaminey".

She moved around in the audience, and urged the front row members, including Sourav Ganguly and Harbhajan Singh, to dance. Bhajji, as the latter is lovingly called, was sporting enough to get up and join her for a jig.

Later, Priyanka took to the stage again to interact with the cricketers of title holders Chennai Super Kings, who are led by India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

She pulled Dhoni's leg, and asked the boys to join her for a dance on hit Tamil song "Nakka mukka".

The ceremony was opened by megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who rendered a soulful poem penned by lyricist Prasoon Joshi. It was followed by a performance by Colonial Cousins, after which Priyanka took to the stage.

The fifth edition of IPL, starting Wednesday, has nine teams. with 76 games across 12 locations, it promises to be a treat for cricket fans.