New Delhi – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim added an unexpected Bollywood flourish to the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, delighting attendees by singing Kishore Kumar’s evergreen classic, “Khwaab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat.” The impromptu performance took place on Saturday night during an informal engagement at the Bharat Mandapam, where a gala dinner was hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A Musical Interlude at the Summit
With a pianist providing the melody, Prime Minister Anwar joined in on the 1965 romantic classic from the film Teen Devian, composed by S. D. Burman with lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri. Before starting, he reportedly asked, “Guru mintak izin nyanyi kejap ok?” (Guru, may I sing?), drawing applause from the assembled dignitaries.
Anwar Ibrahim later posted a video of his performance on social media, which quickly circulated, showcasing a rare and lighter cultural moment amidst high-stakes multilateral talks. Reports also indicated that he might have performed another Hindi film number, “Dost Dost Na Raha” from Sangam (1964), earlier in the evening.
Diplomacy with a Cultural Chord
This musical moment quickly became a significant talking point beyond the summit’s formal agenda. Observers noted that Anwar’s rendition struck a different chord, drawing positive reactions and highlighting his long-standing fondness for Hindi cinema. Such cultural exchanges have become a regular feature of his visits to India, combining diplomacy with shared cultural experiences; he had previously performed the same song in 2024.
For many, the sequence offered a rare glimpse of summit diplomacy punctuated by a Bollywood classic, proving that even at a gathering focused on geopolitics, a Kishore Kumar song can steal the night and foster connections.