Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman delivered his first-ever live performance at the Attari border post in Punjab on Sunday, paying a musical tribute to the Border Security Force (BSF) during a special event held ahead of the release of filmmaker Imtiaz Ali’s upcoming film Main Vaapas Aaunga.
The event, titled Jai Ho — A Musical Salute to the Bravehearts, was organised at the JCP Stadium during the Beating Retreat ceremony and drew thousands of visitors. The evening celebrated the courage and sacrifice of India’s armed forces personnel while also showcasing music from the much-awaited cross-border drama.
Rahman began the performance with his composition Chanda Suraj Lakhon Taare before introducing songs from Main Vaapas Aaunga. One of the highlights of the evening was Maskara, performed by Nilanjana Ghosh and actor Vedang Raina, who plays a young man living in pre-Partition India in the film.
The audience was then treated to Ishq Mastana, rendered by Mohit Chauhan alongside singers Pooja Tiwari and Nargis. The musical tribute concluded with Rahman’s iconic patriotic anthem Maa Tujhe Salaam, earning an enthusiastic response from the crowd.
The event was attended by filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, actor Vedang Raina, and the film’s producers, Ananya Birla of Birla Studios and Mohit Choudhary of Window Seat Films. During the programme, the team dedicated the film’s music album to the bravery and sacrifices of Indian armed forces personnel.
Speaking about the occasion, Imtiaz Ali described the concert as a tribute to the country’s bravehearts and the spirit of unity that binds people together. He said the event held special significance because it was connected to Main Vaapas Aaunga, a film inspired by the creation of borders during the Partition of 1947.
Ali noted that the Partition not only displaced people and claimed lives but also left deep emotional wounds. He added that the film seeks to convey a message of love and humanity, emphasizing that compassion remains the strongest force connecting people across boundaries.
Set against the backdrop of the Partition of India, Main Vaapas Aaunga explores stories of love, separation and longing from one of the most defining periods in the subcontinent’s history.
The film features Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari Wagh and Vedang Raina in lead roles. The music has been composed by A R Rahman, with lyrics written by Irshad Kamil. The project reunites the acclaimed trio of Rahman, Ali and Kamil, who previously collaborated on films such as Rockstar, Tamasha and Amar Singh Chamkila. Main Vaapas Aaunga is scheduled to hit theatres on June 12.
