Indian Super League 2015 kicks-off with glittering opening ceremony

New Delhi: The second season of the Indian Super League got underway on Saturday with a dazzling opening ceremony in Chennai where several Bollywood superstars lightened up the event. Fans around the world witnessed a star-studded ceremony ahead of the opening game between Chennaiyin FC and Atletico de Kolkata.

The Indian Super League posted a photo on Twitter that shows all the Bollywood superstars alongside Sachin Tendulkar and Nita Ambani in a group photo. 

A star-studded #ISLfie - Mrs Nita Ambani, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, @sachin_rt, @superstarrajini, @arjunk26 & @aliaa08. pic.twitter.com/QetHJCFJJh — Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) October 3, 2015

South Indian superstar Rajnikanth unveiled the official ball of the ISL in Chennai on Saturday. 

The star bigger than any superstar, Rajnikanth unveils the official ball of #HeroISL. Can it get any bigger? #CHEvsATK #LetsFootball #ATK

— Atlético de Kolkata (@atletidekolkata) October 3, 2015

Aishwariya Rai meanwhile, danced to several of her Bollywood movie tunes to keep the crowd going. 

When Aishwariya Rai comes back & lights up the #HeroISL stage, we all know what is in store for the season. #CHEvsATK #LetsFootball #ATK — Atlético de Kolkata (@atletidekolkata) October 3, 2015

Young sensation Alia Bhatt too had an amazing performance and looked vibrant all along.

Awesome performance, @aliaa08 ! A vibrant and amazing start to #HeroISL. All of you heard it right. C'mon India, #LetsFootball #CHEvsATK — Atlético de Kolkata (@atletidekolkata) October 3, 2015

Arjun Kapoor meanwhile hosted the ceremony. Several high-profile actors and cricketers attended the show that included Amitabh Bachchan and Sachin Tendulkar.

The initial part of the programme saw a performance by Bansi Kaul's troop. 

Pulses set going when Bollywood and international music maestro AR Rahman performed the national anthem at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Nita Ambani declared the tournament open. 

The official Indian Super League posted photos on Twitter giving us a sneak view of the ground in Chennai.

India is ready, Chennai is ready! Are you? We are just moments away. #LetsFootball #CHEvATK pic.twitter.com/7ZEZqAW8lr — Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) October 3, 2015

Ahead of the ceremony fans were seen making there way into the stadium. 

The stage is set! The fans are pouring into the stadium as we get ready to kick off #HeroISL 2015. #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/6zZHAbdC5i — Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) October 3, 2015