The prestigious Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi recently witnessed an extraordinary blend of high-level diplomacy and soulful music during the gala dinner of the 18th BRICS Summit. While the mega event brought together some of the world's most powerful leaders under one roof, it was Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim who stole the spotlight in an unexpected and delightful manner. Hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the evening took a lyrical turn when the Malaysian leader showed his deep affection for Indian cinema by singing two classic songs of the legendary playback singer Kishore Kumar, instantly lightening the atmosphere of the high-profile gathering.
A Melodious Interlude at the High-Profile Dinner
The formal and serious environment of the international summit transitioned into a warm, celebratory gathering during the gala dinner. As the guests settled in, a pianist at the venue began playing the familiar, nostalgic tunes of iconic Bollywood tracks. Captivated by the music, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim could not resist joining in. He walked over to the piano with a warm smile and began humming along with the notes, quickly drawing the attention of everyone in the hall.
Without any hesitation, the Malaysian Prime Minister perfectly matched his voice with the piano chords. He first sang the timeless track "Dost Dost Na Raha, Pyar Pyar Na Raha" from the 1964 blockbuster movie Sangam. The emotional depth of the song, originally picturized on Raj Kapoor, resonated beautifully through the hall and evoked a sense of nostalgic warmth among the attendees.
Continuing the Tribute with Romantic Melodies
Immediately following his rendition of the Sangam classic, Anwar Ibrahim delighted the audience further by transitioning into another popular Hindi number. He sang the romantic melody "Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat, Kaun Ho Tum Batlao" from the 1965 movie Teen Devian. This classic composition, originally created by the legendary music director SD Burman with lyrics penned by Majrooh Sultanpuri, was performed with great enthusiasm and perfect rhythm by the Malaysian leader.
The sight of a foreign head of state singing Hindi classics with such passion and fluency left the audience mesmerized. Diplomats, government officials, and foreign dignitaries present at the dinner broke into spontaneous applause and cheered him on. Demonstrating his joy, Anwar Ibrahim later shared a video of this musical moment on his official X account on September 12, 2026, where he expressed his profound respect and love for Indian music and the legacy of Kishore Kumar, showcasing how art can dissolve political barriers.
A Longstanding Admiration for Indian Cinema
This musical performance was not an isolated incident but a reflection of Anwar Ibrahim's lifelong admiration for Indian music. The Malaysian Prime Minister has been a devoted fan of Kishore Kumar's golden voice and old Bollywood classics for decades. He has frequently highlighted how Indian cinema and music transcend geographical boundaries to foster deeper connections between nations.
During his official visit to India in 2024, Ibrahim had expressed his fondness for Bollywood songs during a media interview. On that occasion as well, he had hummed "Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat" to describe his relationship with Indian culture. He remarked that Indian films and music are not just popular within India, but hold a special place in the hearts of people across Malaysia and the wider Southeast Asian region. His gesture at the BRICS dinner beautifully illustrated how music can serve as a powerful tool of cultural diplomacy, bridging gaps between diverse nations.
Strengthening India-Malaysia Bilateral Cooperation
Beyond the musical festivities, the 18th BRICS Summit also served as a platform for crucial political discussions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held a highly productive bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the main summit. The two leaders engaged in extensive discussions focused on enhancing trade relations, boosting defense cooperation, advancing digital technology partnerships, and deepening overall strategic ties between India and Malaysia.
During this meeting, a lighter moment showcased the deep personal rapport between the two leaders. Ibrahim highlighted Modi's immense popularity in Malaysia, humorously noting that "your popularity in Malaysia is immense, and people have sent their greetings for you." This heartwarming remark brought a cheerful laugh from Prime Minister Modi, emphasizing the mutual respect and warmth that defines the current relationship between India and Malaysia. This interaction further solidified the strategic and cultural ties between the two nations, setting a positive tone for future diplomatic engagements.
