India
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim Wins Hearts in New Delhi With Kishore Kumar Classic: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim brought an unexpected musical touch to the diplomatic proceedings surrounding the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, captivating guests and social media users with his rendition of a timeless Kishore Kumar song.
At a gala dinner during his India visit, Anwar Ibrahim took the microphone and sang “Khwaab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat,” the beloved 1965 song from the Hindi film Teen Devian. Accompanied by a live pianist, the Malaysian leader’s performance transformed an otherwise formal diplomatic gathering into a memorable cultural moment.
Kishore Kumar Classic Becomes Viral Moment
The song, originally sung by legendary playback singer Kishore Kumar, was composed by S.D. Burman, with lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri.
Anwar later shared a video of the performance on social media with the caption, “Guru mintak izin nyanyi kejap ok!”, roughly meaning, “Teacher, may I sing for a moment?”
The clip quickly attracted widespread attention online, with viewers praising the Malaysian Prime Minister’s singing and his evident affection for Indian music. One commenter described the performance as “melodious,” while another expressed appreciation for Anwar’s enjoyment of his time in India.
Anwar’s Longstanding Love for Indian Music
This is not the first time Anwar Ibrahim has publicly demonstrated his affection for Indian cinema and music.
During an earlier visit to India, he performed the same Kishore Kumar classic during a media interaction. In 2024, he also sang Mukesh’s iconic “Dost Dost Na Raha” at an event in Delhi.
His appreciation extends beyond Hindi cinema. During bilateral exchanges, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also highlighted Anwar’s interest in iconic South Indian cinema personalities, including legendary actor and Tamil Nadu political leader M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), as well as classic Tamil film music.
Music Adds a Cultural Dimension to Diplomacy
Anwar’s performance came during the 18th BRICS Summit, where Malaysia participated as a BRICS partner country. The summit brought together leaders and representatives to discuss global affairs, economic cooperation, trade and other international issues.
Alongside the broader summit agenda, India and Malaysia also discussed areas of bilateral cooperation, including digital technology and tourism.
The musical interlude offered a softer dimension to the diplomatic engagement, showcasing how popular culture can create connections that extend beyond formal government-to-government relations.
A Bridge Between India and Malaysia
For Indian audiences, Anwar’s performance was another reminder of the enduring influence of Indian cinema and music across Southeast Asia.
Kishore Kumar’s songs, many of them recorded decades ago, continue to resonate with audiences around the world. Anwar’s decision to perform one of the singer’s classics at a major international gathering in New Delhi turned a diplomatic occasion into an instantly shareable cultural moment.
As the video spread across social media, the Malaysian Prime Minister was praised not only for his political leadership but also for his personal appreciation of India’s rich musical heritage.
