Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Anwar strikes cultural chord with impromptu Kishore Kumar song at BRICS summit
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim delighted Indian delegates at the BRICS summit in New Delhi by performing a rendition of a classic Kishore Kumar number, showcasing Malaysia's appreciation for Indian cultural icons.
LSN Malaysia ·
NEW DELHI — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim demonstrated his appreciation for Indian cinema and music during his attendance at the BRICS summit, performing an impromptu rendition of a Kishore Kumar classic that resonated with Indian participants.
The gesture came during high-level diplomatic engagements at the summit, where Anwar capitalised on a moment of informal interaction to showcase familiarity with one of India's most celebrated playback singers. Kishore Kumar remains an iconic figure in Indian popular culture, with his vast catalogue of film songs spanning several decades and maintaining enduring popularity across South Asia.
The performance highlighted the cultural bridges between Malaysia and India, nations linked by longstanding ties spanning trade, people-to-people connections, and shared regional interests. Such informal diplomatic gestures often serve to strengthen bilateral relationships by demonstrating cultural understanding and mutual respect.
Anwar's participation in the BRICS summit reflected Malaysia's engagement with major global economic groupings and regional powers. The moment underscored how cultural touchstones can complement formal diplomatic discourse, creating memorable exchanges that extend beyond conventional bilateral negotiations.
The incident garnered positive responses from Indian delegates present at the event, reflecting appreciation for the Malaysian leader's gesture of cultural acknowledgment.