Amitabh Bachchan will be back in action for the first time since his abdominal surgery last month when he participates in the star-studded opening ceremony of Indian Premier League season 5 , set to take place in Chennai on April 3. The superstar will recite a special poem that writer-lyricist Prasoon Joshi has penned for the event. Big B's return apart, a highlight of the gala will be the fact that Salman Khan and Priyanka Chopra - known for their very public animosity - will both perform live at the do, besides Prabhu Deva and the Colonial Cousins.

A couple of international acts are also being lined up at the event, to be held at Chennai's YMCA College of Physical Education Nandanam, although no name has been confirmed yet. Bachchan, who was recovering from stomach surgery, had been advised to take complete rest by his doctors for a few weeks. The superstar has not taken up any work since then but will be medically fit by April and the IPL opening ceremony is a good opportunity to resume work.

"Asia Cup over soon and then IPL... opening extravaganza in Chennai... and yours truly a small part of it... nervous as hell!! They do the opening show of IPL a day before they play unlike other years... its a separate performance at prestigious venue... meeting all the Captains and teams will be such an honour... seen all of them on TV, now personally. April 3rd is the day for the opening... preparing for it already... getting back into the grind (sic)," tweeted an excited Big B about returning to work with IPL.

Priyanka on her part seems quite thrilled at the idea of performing at the IPL opener. "So what act do u guys suggest I do for the IPL opening ceremony.. Shud be so fun!! (sic)" she tweeted. Salman, who is busy shooting for Dabangg 2 in Mumbai right now, is expected to fly to Chennai next month with his family and friends, all of whom are known to be huge cricket fans.

In fact, the news was rife last year that Salman wanted to buy an IPL team. Things, however, did not work out and Salman launched the Celebrity Cricket League. The Bodyguard star performing at this year's IPL opening ceremony has raised fresh speculation that he might stake part ownership in one of the teams. Prabhu Deva, who has been more caught up with filmmaking, directing Wanted and the forthcoming Rowdy Rathore, will be seen performing after a long time. He is going to perform to his superhit Tamil, Telugu and Hindi numbers. IPL 5 starts on April 4, a day after the opening ceremony, and the final of the tournament this year is scheduled to take place on May 27.