Malaysian PM Anwar croons Kishore Kumar song, wins hearts
The mass appeal of Hindi film songs knows no boundaries or leaders, and was seen at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi this weekend. Despite a packed schedule, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim found time to sing a famous Kishore Kumar song. The video has gone viral.
Known for his fondness for Hindi film songs, the visiting Malaysian prime minister was seen singing the classic Hindi song Khwab ho tum, ya koi haqeeqat from the 1965 film Teen Deviyan, at a Delhi hotel. Legendary music director SD Burman had composed the music for the song penned by Majrooh Sultanpuri, with Dev Anand singing it on screen.
Dressed in a crisp grey suit, Ibrahim was seen singing to a piano tune being played by an accompanist. The clip is being widely shared after he shared the video on his social media handles on Saturday night.
The musical moment offered a glimpse into the Malaysian PM’s long-standing admiration for Hindi cinema and its music, an interest that has also found its way into his diplomatic engagements with India.
He has previously showcased his fondness for Bollywood during interactions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During PM Modi’s visit to Malaysia, Ibrahim shared an official video montage of the visit set to Bole Chudiyan, the popular song from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. He is reported to be a great fan of Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar.
During his India visit, Anwar also praised the country for its civilisation, culture and history. Anwar’s current visit is his first to India since becoming Malaysia’s prime minister in 2022. During the visit, India and Malaysia elevated their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and signed several agreements, including in digital technology and tourism.
The relationship between India and Malaysia had faced strains in 2019 after then Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad criticised India’s decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
Anwar’s visit marked a renewed effort to strengthen ties between the two countries, with the bilateral relationship receiving fresh momentum through the elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and agreements in key areas.
