Last Updated:September 13, 2026, 07:13 IST

The Malaysian leader posted a video of his impromptu performance on social media, showcasing a lighter, cultural moment alongside high-stakes multilateral talks

The musical performance reflects Prime Minister Anwar’s well-documented personal affinity for Indian culture and cinema. Image/X

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim brought a touch of Bollywood diplomacy to New Delhi during the 18th BRICS Summit, captivating social media by performing the timeless Kishore Kumar song “Khwaab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat”. The Malaysian leader posted a video of his impromptu performance on social media, showcasing a lighter, cultural moment alongside high-stakes multilateral talks.

Musical Interlude at Delhi Summit

Attending the summit in the Indian capital as a BRICS Partner Country leader, Prime Minister Anwar delivered his rendition of the 1965 romantic classic from the film Teen Devian during an informal engagement accompanying the official summit proceedings. Accompanied by a pianist, the Malaysian leader sang the SD Burman composition to the delight of attendees.

Sharing the clip on X with a lighthearted Malay caption translated as “Teacher, may I have permission to sing for a moment, okay?” the video rapidly gathered traction online, drawing widespread praise across India and Southeast Asia.

Deep Admiration for Indian Cinema

The musical performance reflects Prime Minister Anwar’s well-documented personal affinity for Indian culture and cinema:

• Long-standing Passion: Anwar has previously showcased his love for Hindi classics during earlier bilateral engagements, having performed tracks by Kishore Kumar and Mukesh on prior visits to India.
• Cultural Outreach: During official diplomatic exchanges, the Malaysian Prime Minister has consistently highlighted shared historical and cultural ties between Malaysia and India, using Indian popular music as a bridge for soft-power diplomacy.

Diplomacy Beyond the Formal Agenda

While the summit’s main sessions at Bharat Mandapam focused on heavy geopolitical priorities—including the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration, global economic governance overhauls, and trade interoperability—Prime Minister Anwar’s performance served as a reminder of the soft power underlying international relations.

Representing Malaysia as an invited partner nation, Anwar’s engagement reinforced the growing cultural and economic convergence between ASEAN members and the expanded BRICS bloc.

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Which Kishore Kumar songs did Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sing at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi?

During the summit’s gala dinner, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sang two classic Hindi songs: “Khwaab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat” from the 1965 film Teen Devian and “Dost Dost Na Raha, Pyar Pyar Na Raha” from the 1964 film Sangam.

Where did Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim perform his musical tribute during the 18th BRICS Summit?

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim performed his musical tribute at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, India, during the gala dinner hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 18th BRICS Summit.

Who composed the song “Khwaab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat” performed by Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim?

The romantic classic “Khwaab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat” was composed by the legendary music director S.D. Burman.

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Pathikrit Sen Gupta

Pathikrit Sen Gupta is a Senior Associate Editor with News18.com and likes to cut a long story short. He writes sporadically on Politics, Sports, Global Affairs, Space, Entertainment, And Food. He tra…Read More

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