How Anwar’s Kishore Kumar surprise during Brics summit turns Delhi hotel pianist into viral star (VIDEO)

While bilateral meetings and summit discussions dominated his New Delhi visit, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's rendition showed that diplomacy can sometimes go beyond the negotiating table and be a light-hearted song instead. — Picture via Facebook

First Published: Monday, 14 Sep 2026 9:34 AM MYT

NEW DELHI, Sept 14 — “I’m happy, very happy. The people are looking at me. At least they see me. My face, my face is being shown all around the world,” said M.Rehman, who played the piano for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s rendition of Kishore Kumar’s classic Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat.

The original post on Anwar’s X platform has surpassed 1.4 million views and counting. The one minute and 32 second video has since gone viral in India with multiple shares, positive comments and praises on various social media platforms.

However, the moment wasn’t an accident but a well-prepared 45-year-old pianist meeting his opportunity.

Speaking to Bernama, Rehman, who is also a western musical teacher, said that he was told about the Prime Minister’s stay in the hotel during the 18th Brics Leaders Summit.

“On Friday, they told me Malaysian Prime Minister might come and that he is fond of Hindi songs. So, I did my research on his favourite songs and told myself I should be able to play whichever song he requests,” said Rehman, who has been a pianist for 22 years now.

The next day, during his break, Rehman saw the Prime Minister enter the restaurant area where the piano is placed.

He quickly rushed back to unlock the piano and began to play.

“The Prime Minister was actually heading elsewhere but he came to me when I started playing, one of his favourite song, Dosh Dosh Na Raha (from the movie Sangam) and he changed his direction and came to me,” said a very delighted Rehman, who described Anwar as friendly and someone who is fond of Hindi songs.

For many Indians, Kishore’s evergreen melodies remain deeply familiar, making the Prime Minister’s rendition a pleasant surprise and a nostalgic reminder of the legendary singer’s enduring appeal.

Hence, the credit for the viral moment goes to not only Rehman’s preparation and his timing but also the song that connected two countries in a single, sincere performance.

The song, from the 1965 Hindi film Teen Devian, is among Kishore’s well-loved classics, and Anwar’s performance offered an unexpected musical bridge between Malaysia and India. — Bernama