New Delhi

Infusing a distinctive cultural resonance into his official visit to the national capital, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim blended statecraft with classic Bollywood melodies, spontaneously performing Kishore Kumar’s timeless track "Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat" from the 1965 film Teen Devian.

Anwar, participating in the BRICS Summit, delivered the musical rendition during his stay at a Delhi hotel. The performance showcased the iconic composition by S D Burman alongside lyrics penned by Majrooh Sultanpuri, reflecting a long-standing personal appreciation for Hindi cinema that frequently surfaces during his diplomatic engagements.

Demonstrating a similar affinity for Indian popular culture during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's earlier diplomatic outreach, Anwar previously shared an official video montage set against the popular track "Bole Chudiyan" from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.

Guru mintak izin nyanyi kejap ok! pic.twitter.com/NzazFHV509

— Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) September 12, 2026

Beyond these cultural exchanges, the Malaysian leader praised India's rich civilisational heritage and history, while voicing optimism that outstanding geopolitical issues between India and Pakistan would find a peaceful resolution.

This official visit marks Anwar's inaugural journey to India since assuming office as Malaysia's prime minister in 2022.

Continuing his schedule, Anwar held a bilateral meeting with PM Modi on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit, where he remarked on the Indian leader's wide reach, stating, “See, Prime Minister Modi is so popular; I got so many messages to pass on regards to him.”

Malaysia participated in the high-level dialogue as a BRICS Partner Country, engaging in deliberations focused on global governance, sustainable development, trade, investment, and digital transformation.

Stunning visuals from Bharat Mandapam !!

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives at the gala dinner hosted by PM Modi for global leaders and delegates.

Beautiful colours, lighting and overall setup look absolutely magnificent, making this one of the most spectacular moments of… pic.twitter.com/rcUfwIBnp4

— News Algebra (@NewsAlgebraIND) September 12, 2026

A special cultural performance, "Navarasa – The Universe of Shared Emotions", was presented during the BRICS Leaders' Summit Gala Dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, celebrating the shared cultural heritage and diversity of the BRICS nations.

The diplomatic engagement succeeded the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Declaration 2026, wherein member states championed institutional reforms in global governance and reinforced multilateral cooperation for developing economies.

The cultural event features the BRICS Symphony – “One Rhythm, Many Cultures”, bringing together musicians from BRICS Members and Partner countries in a unique collaborative musical performance. Drawing on diverse musical traditions, the Symphony seeks to create a shared artistic expression that reflects the diversity, cultural richness and spirit of togetherness of the BRICS family.

It’s an honor to attend the #BRICS Summit Gala Dinner, hosted by H.E. @narendramodi, the Prime Minister of #India, in #NewDelhi.

A beautiful celebration of culture, diversity and our shared humanity through #Navarasa, The Universe of Shared Emotions, bringing together artists… pic.twitter.com/pSLPHVdGJQ

— Amb. Willy Nyamitwe (@willynyamitwe) September 12, 2026

The Symphony, showcasing different instruments from BRICS countries, finds synergy of music and India’s classical dance traditions, bridging musical cultures across nations. The musical presentation is a symbol of the common bonds that the people of BRICS share, connecting diverse civilisations.

The musical event embodies the spirit of “Building a Better World Together”, through cultural exchanges. It celebrates the diversity of artistic expressions, human experiences and human bonding.

The BRICS Symphony showcases the rich cultures and diverse civilisations of BRICS, anchored in India’s unique quality of being the land of cultural diversity.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a gala dinner for BRICS leaders and delegates at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital on Saturday evening, with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus among those arriving for the event.