Watch: Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim sings Kishore Kumar’s ‘Khwab Ho Tum’ at BRICS gala in Delhi

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim brought a Bollywood touch to his official India visit, performing Kishore Kumar’s classic song “Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat” from the 1965 film Teen Devian during a BRICS gala dinner in Delhi.

The musical moment came as Anwar was in the national capital for the BRICS Summit, adding a cultural dimension to his diplomatic engagements in India.

Anwar Ibrahim’s Kishore Kumar moment

Anwar performed the song during his stay at a Delhi hotel, showcasing his longstanding interest in Hindi cinema. The track, composed by S D Burman with lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri, is one of Kishore Kumar's well-known songs.

The Malaysian prime minister has previously displayed his familiarity with Indian popular culture during his interactions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During an earlier diplomatic outreach involving Modi, Anwar shared an official video montage featuring “Bole Chudiyan” from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.

His latest musical appearance again brought Bollywood into the spotlight during his official engagements in India.

Anwar praises India's heritage, backs peaceful resolution

Beyond the cultural exchange, Anwar praised India's civilisational heritage and history. He also expressed optimism that outstanding geopolitical issues between India and Pakistan could eventually be resolved peacefully.

The visit marked Anwar's first trip to India since he became Malaysia's prime minister in 2022.

The diplomatic engagement also resulted in the elevation of ties between India and Malaysia to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The two countries signed multiple agreements covering areas including digital technology and tourism cooperation.

Anwar and Modi meet on sidelines of BRICS Summit

Anwar also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit.

During the meeting, Anwar referred to Modi's international reach and said, “See, Prime Minister Modi is so popular; I got so many messages to pass on regards to him.”

Malaysia attended the high-level gathering as a BRICS Partner Country, participating in discussions on global governance, sustainable development, trade, investment and digital transformation.

BRICS gala features cultural performances

The gala dinner also featured cultural performances designed to showcase artistic traditions from BRICS member and partner countries.

These included “Navarasa – The Universe of Shared Emotions” and the “One Rhythm, Many Cultures” BRICS Symphony, highlighting artistic collaborations across participating countries.

The cultural programme followed the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Declaration 2026, under which BRICS members backed institutional reforms in global governance and reiterated support for multilateral cooperation for developing economies.