Oscar-winning music composer A. R. Rahman delivered a memorable live performance at the Attari border in Punjab on Sunday, paying tribute to the bravery and dedication of the Border Security Force (BSF). The special event, titled “Jai Ho — A Musical Salute to the Bravehearts,” was held during the Beating Retreat ceremony at the Joint Check Post (JCP) Stadium and marked Rahman’s first-ever performance at the iconic border location.
The musical tribute was organized ahead of the release of filmmaker Imtiaz Ali’s upcoming film Main Vaapas Aaunga, a cross-border drama featuring music composed by Rahman. The composer began the evening with his soulful track “Chanda Suraj Lakhon Taare” before presenting songs from the film’s soundtrack.
Among the highlights of the event was the performance of “Maskara” by singers Nilanjana Ghosh and actor-singer Vedang Raina, who plays a young man in pre-Partition India in the film. The audience also enjoyed “Ishq Mastana,” performed by Mohit Chauhan along with Pooja Tiwari and Nargis. The evening concluded on a patriotic note with Rahman’s iconic anthem “Maa Tujhe Salaam.”
The event was attended by Rahman, Imtiaz Ali, Vedang Raina, and the film’s producers, including Ananya Birla and Mohit Choudhary. The team dedicated the film’s music album to the courage and sacrifice of India’s armed forces.
Speaking on the occasion, Ali described the performance as a tribute to the nation’s spirit and the soldiers guarding its borders. Set against the backdrop of the 1947 Partition, Main Vaapas Aaunga explores themes of love, separation, and longing. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on June 12.
