Music maestro AR Rahman delivered a powerful and emotionally charged performance at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on January 23, where he sang Jana Gana Mana and Vande Mataram/Maa Tujhe Salaam, moments that quickly went viral on social media amid an ongoing controversy surrounding his recent remarks.
Videos shared by fans showed the Oscar-winning composer leading thousands in the audience as they sang along, creating what many described as a deeply patriotic and unifying atmosphere.
Fans Share Viral Concert Moments
Several attendees posted clips from different angles, revealing that Rahman opened the concert with “Jana Gana Mana” from Mani Ratnam’s Aayutha Ezhuthu. Later, after nearly four hours of performances, he surprised the packed arena by closing with “Vande Mataram/Maa Tujhe Salaam”, prompting loud applause and emotional reactions.
One X user wrote, “I was hoping AR Rahman would answer his critics tonight—and he did.” Another noted that the concert initially seemed to end with Chaiyya Chaiyya, before Rahman returned for “one last song,” leading the entire arena in Vande Mataram.
Lifestyle influencer Prince, who attended the show, said Rahman began with several South Indian compositions, followed by his Hindi film classics, and also performed his Oscar-winning track “Jai Ho” from Slumdog Millionaire.
Shekhar Kapur Reacts
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, who was present at the concert, praised the performance in a post on X, calling it an unforgettable experience.
“What an exhilarating concert by AR Rahman at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi last night. Packed to capacity. 20,000 people cheering, singing, dancing, and even crying to Rahman’s beautiful soulful songs,” Kapur wrote.
Context: Recent Controversy
Rahman’s concert comes amid debate triggered by his comments in a recent interview with BBC Asian Network, where he said he may have received fewer opportunities in Bollywood due to shifting power dynamics and possibly “communal” factors. He also criticised the film Chhaava, saying it benefitted from divisiveness.
Following backlash, Rahman released a video reaffirming his affection for the country, stating:
“India is my inspiration, my teacher, and my home. I understand that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood.”
Several voices from the film and music industry have since come out in his support. Singer Chinmayi dismissed claims that Rahman had ever refused to sing Vande Mataram, while his children—Khatija, Raheema, and Ameen—shared messages backing him. UAE filmmaker Naya Al Khaja also publicly defended the composer.
Concert Seen as Musical Statement
Many fans viewed Rahman’s performance of patriotic songs as a reaffirmation of his long-standing artistic and emotional connection to India, underscoring the unifying power of music beyond political or cultural divisions.
