Anwar’s Kishore Kumar rendition at Brics summit strikes chord with Indians (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: Sunday, 13 Sep 2026 11:00 AM MYT

NEW DELHI, Sept 13 — 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.

The impromptu performance, which was posted on social media and has gone viral, attracted many and quickly became a talking point, with viewers appreciating his choice of song as well as his willingness to share a lighter moment during his busy schedule at the 18th Brics Leaders’ Summit here.

“Sir, you sang an immortal classic by the legendary Indian singer Kishore Kumar, and honestly, you were no less than the legend himself,” said Biswajit Roy on X via his handle @roybiswajit2010.

“When world leaders come to India and sing along to the melodies, it truly feels like the world is singing in India’s tune!” he added.

“How absolutely lovely.  Such a delightful song to choose to sing and in such a spirited manner. Simply wonderful PM  @anwaribrahim,” said Piyush Morade.

“You sing so brilliant....life is a song with tones of ups and downs....We loved it so so much... This was indeed the sweetest part of Brics episode 2026,” said Soumik Dutta Roy on X via his handle @dutta_soum7132.

Meanwhile, Haliza Jeffry commented ”Slay” with a fire emoji on Instagram.

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.

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

While bilateral meetings and summit discussions dominated his New Delhi visit, the rendition showed that diplomacy can sometimes go beyond the negotiating table and be a light-hearted song instead.

As at the time of writing, the one-minute, 32-second post received 650,000 views on the X platform. The post has also attracted positive reactions on other social media platforms. — Bernama