NEW DELHI, Aug 25 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim certainly made an impression on his hosts in India with his singing chops.

Anwar visited the country for an official visit but found time during this farewell ceremony to gift his hosts with a rendition of the Hindi song Dost dost na raha from the 1964 film Sangam.

The Taj Mahal hotel that hosted the reception posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) that “It was a pleasure to witness Honorable Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim showcasing his love for Bollywood music during his farewell ceremony at the iconic Taj Mahal, New Delhi.”

Immensely popular in Malaysia, Sangam is a musical romantic drama directed by Raj Kapoor.

The film portrayed a love triangle between three childhood friends, with pilot Sundar played by Kapoor returning home after being assumed dead from war to marry Radha (Vyjayanthimala) — despite her planning to marry his best friend Gopal (Rajendra Kumar).

Dost dost na raha tells of the souring relationship between Sundar and Gopal, but has also been said to be about the real-life relationship between Kapoor and Kumar.

Times of India senior editor Saurabh Sinha reported that the hotel organised the Bollywood farewell after Anwar expressed his love for Hindi films and the late film star Shammi Kapoor.

The video was also posted by entrepreneur Suhel Seth, which received several comments from Indians online.

“I wish our own top political leaders weren’t so stuck up and mingled a bit more easily with the ‘commoners’ in public places (without menacing black cats / gun toting commandos),” said user Arvind Singhal, lauding Anwar.

“Mukesh and his voice transcends countries, cultures and generations,” said user Alok Daga, referring to the song’s original singer.

Anwar was in the country from August 19 to August 21 earlier this month and also visited his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi.

This is his first visit to India in his official capacity as prime minister.