Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s rendition of a classic Hindi film song during his state visit to India has charmed the host nation’s social media users who praised his “heartwarming” performance.
Anwar was on a three-day trip to New Delhi this week, his first since he took office in 2022, where he met with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.
The two countries elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and signed a slew of agreements, including on digital technology and tourism – after relations had frayed in 2019 following then-prime minister Mahathir Mohamad’s criticism of India for revoking the autonomy to the half of Kashmir it administers.
Anwar also held talks with India’s corporate titans, members of the Malaysian diaspora and Rahul Gandhi, a senior leader of the main opposition Congress party.
The prime minister ended his diplomatic and business engagements on a high note, singing Dost dost na raha (A friend is no longer a friend) from the 1964 film Sangam (Confluence), along with a local ensemble and guests at Delhi’s Taj Mahal hotel.
The five-star hotel, where Anwar stayed, said it organised the event on Wednesday after he expressed his love for the Hindi film industry.
The establishment shared a video of the Malaysia prime minister crooning the melody by veteran singer Mukesh on X, saying it was “a pleasure to witness Anwar showcasing his love for Bollywood music during his farewell ceremony at the iconic Taj Mahal”.
Indians appreciated Anwar’s vocal brilliance, calling him a “good singer” and “a man of beautiful tastes”.
“Woww! The depth in his voice, truly amazing,” wrote a user on X.
“Thanks a lot for giving this beautiful clip which made fans of Shankar-Jaikishan proud of their idol,” remarked another, referring to the music directors of the film that was also released in the Soviet Union in 1964.
Some were elated over the country’s soft power touching a chord in Malaysia, saying these gestures do “play a role in strengthening relationships”.
Others said Anwar’s act sent a veiled message to his political mentor turned rival Mahathir, who sacked him as deputy prime minister in 1998 following a fallout with the elder statesman.
Anwar was subsequently jailed for sodomy, which he maintains are trumped-up charges against him. He was granted a royal pardon in 2018.
“Very appropriate song, taking into account that Mahathir and Anwar were thickest of pals … and it was the same friend who jailed him in an overnight action,” said a commentator on X.
Anwar is also an avid fan of Tamil film songs. In July, he attended a Kuala Lumpur concert featuring Oscar-winning Indian composer AR Rahman.
