New Delhi
The Beating Retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border turned into a memorable and emotional evening when world-renowned composer and singer A.R. Rahman performed live at the Indo-Pak border for the first time.
The special event, titled "Jai! A Musical Salute to the Brave Hearts," was organized by the team behind the upcoming film Main Vaapas Aaunga as a tribute to the Border Security Force (BSF) and the country's brave soldiers.
Thousands of spectators gathered at the Joint Check Post Stadium to witness the iconic border ceremony and became part of an unforgettable celebration of music, patriotism, and national pride.
#WATCH | Punjab: Film Director Imtiaz Ali says, "Today, we had the opportunity to come to Attari and welcome AR Rahman to Punjab for the first time; it is our good fortune that such a renowned artist has visited. He performed at the Attari Border—a venue where no other artist had… https://t.co/96dCw9QRdt pic.twitter.com/Q716jeCJU5
— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2026
The evening began with speeches by acclaimed filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, businesswoman Ananya Birla, actor Vedang Raina, and producer Mohit Choudhary. The speakers paid tribute to the dedication and sacrifices of BSF and armed forces personnel. The film's team also dedicated the music album of Main Vaapas Aaunga to the nation's defenders.
A.R. Rahman opened the musical programme with "Chanda Sooraj Lakhon Taare" and followed it with songs from the upcoming film. Singers Neelanjana Ghosh and Vedang Raina performed "Maskara," while renowned singer Mohit Chauhan enthralled the audience with "Ishq Mastana," accompanied by Pooja Tiwari and Nargis. The evening concluded with Rahman's iconic patriotic anthem "Maa Tujhe Salaam," filling the atmosphere with emotion and patriotic fervour.
Speaking on the occasion, Imtiaz Ali said that Rahman's performance at the Attari border was dedicated to the spirit of the nation, the brave soldiers guarding its frontiers, and the universal power of love that connects humanity.
#WATCH | Punjab: Music maestro AR Rahman, along with singer Mohit Chauhan, perform at the Attari-Wagah border in Punjab's Amritsar.
— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2026
Businesswoman and Artist Ananya Birla, Film Director Imtiaz Ali, Actor Vedang Raina and other also present. pic.twitter.com/9lJSmIHkU5
He noted that Main Vaapas Aaunga is set against the backdrop of the Partition of India in 1947. "It is not merely a story about the drawing of borders, but about broken hearts, separated families, and the human emotions that emerged from one of the most painful chapters in history," he said.
According to Ali, the film carries a message of love, humanity, harmony, and mutual respect. "Ultimately, love is the force that brings people together," he added.
Main Vaapas Aaunga stars Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari, and Vedang Raina in key roles. The film's music has been composed by A.R. Rahman, while the lyrics have been penned by Irshad Kamil.
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Produced by Birla Studios in association with Applause Entertainment and Window Seat Films, the film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on June 12, 2026. Owing to its emotionally powerful Partition backdrop, compelling narrative, and evocative music, industry observers are already describing it as one of the most anticipated films of the year.
