Full Breakdown
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Bollywood Serenade at the 2026 BRICS Gala
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Bollywood Song at the BRICS Gala Dinner
The song, composed by S D Burman with lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri, was performed in front of the assembled BRICS leaders and invited dignitaries at the Bharat Mandapam.
Background & Context
The summit, hosted by India under its 2026 chairship, brought together leaders from the eleven BRICS members and partner countries, including Malaysia as a BRICS Partner Country. The two-day meeting focused on global governance, sustainable development, trade and digital transformation, and concluded with the New Delhi Declaration 2026. Cultural programming was a visible part of the event; the banquet menu highlighted regional Indian dishes such as paneer lababdar, millet pulao, beetroot raita and shahtoot phirni.
Data & Statistics
- Date of performance: September 12, 2026 (first day of the summit).
- Original film *Teen Deviyan* (1965); singer Kishore Kumar; composer S D Burman; lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri.
- Attendees at the gala: heads of state from the ten BRICS members, representatives of nine partner countries, Indian Union Ministers (including Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman, Piyush Goyal, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Sarbananda Sonowal, Kiren Rijiju), Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and various state chief ministers.
Official Statements & Responses
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Anwar’s performance, noting “Maritime neighbours, close partners and a friendship powered by our people. Delighted to meet PM Anwar Ibrahim.” The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the cultural moment as a reflection of the long-standing people-to-people ties between the two nations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Time does not change anyone, time only shows who one’s true self is,” — Human Resources Minister Ramanan, commenting on the broader cultural gesture.
- “Guru asking permission to sing for a bit, okay!” — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, requesting permission to sing.
- “Maritime neighbours, close partners and a friendship powered by our people. Delighted to meet PM Anwar Ibrahim,” — Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the bilateral friendship.
- “Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim may have been in New Delhi for high-level diplomacy, but his rendition of Kishore Kumar’s classic ‘Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat' struck a different chord, drawing positive reactions from many Indians,” — *Malay Mail* (cited by *Business Today*).
Impact & Significance
Anwar’s Bollywood rendition illustrated soft-power cultural diplomacy within a high-stakes multilateral forum. By invoking a beloved Hindi film song, the Malaysian leader underscored shared historical and cultural links that complement the formal agenda of trade, technology and security cooperation. The performance generated positive reactions on social media and reinforced goodwill within the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which was elevated in August 2024 and further cemented during the summit through agreements on digital technology, tourism and semiconductors.
What’s Next
After the summit, Anwar will travel to Kerala to meet the state’s chief minister and the Grand Mufti of India, discussions aimed at deepening cooperation in community development, education and religious harmony. Bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi will continue, focusing on defence, trade, semiconductor collaboration and the implementation of the newly signed partnership agreements.
The Bollywood interlude, while informal, highlighted how cultural affinity can complement diplomatic negotiations, offering a memorable illustration of “one rhythm, many cultures” at the heart of the 2026 BRICS gathering.