Those who peep into the sky know of the lunar standoff that happens every 18 years. It may not have been a galactic event, but Eden Gardens bursting at the seams came to a standstill tonight as the reigning King of a nation's heart Shah Rukh Khan himself took to centrestage to host the opening ceremony of the 18th edition of IPL. 

SRK, who goes by many names, said, "IPL turning 18 is special. This is not only the best league in the world but also the most competitive. Here talent meets opportunity and that has been showcased with the kind of stars this tournament has produced. IPL has given fans electrifying cricket over the years. We not only celebrate the tournament turning 18, but also an era of uamatched competition, lip smacking cricket and a phenomenon that has grown with time."

He took forward the evening with one of the most entertaining talk shows as he welcomed 'the OG of IPL, King of 22 Yards and a billion hearts' Virat Kohli and said, "A batsman who can't be compared, Virat you have played in all the IPLs from its inception and that too for the same team RCB. this is rare. That's why you are Gen Gold."

He next invited Rinku Singh to the stage as representative of Gen Bold. After praising both the cricketers and their generations for their contribution to the league, SRK and Rinku Singh matched steps to SRK's Loot Poot Gya and then Virat joined the Bollywood megastar to the foot tapping number of Jhoome Jo Pathan.

The tete-a-tete rounded off with SRK's tongue in cheek, 'and I belong to the Gen that never grows old'. Next, Virat was felicitated by BCCI President Roger Binny with a silver plaque for playing in all 18 editions.

Earlier, the stadium filled to the brim was enthralled by Shreya Ghosal's melodious voice. This was followed by Disha Patani's mercury soaring dance performance and Canadian rapper Karan Aujla's Husn Tera Tauba Tauba that set the tone for the evening.

Clear skies, fair weather and mind boggling fireworks rounded off an evening that marked the coming of age of IPL.