Goosebumps guaranteed! A.R. Rahman ends Abu Dhabi concert on a patriotic high

A.R. Rahman’s sold-out Wonderment Tour concert in Abu Dhabi turned into more than just a musical spectacle. It became a moment loaded with symbolism and emotion.

The Oscar-winning composer closed the night with two deeply patriotic songs, “Vande Mataram” and India’s national anthem “Jana Gana Mana” , bringing the audience to its feet. Fans sang along, some visibly emotional, as the stadium echoed with applause, cheers, and pride.

The powerful finale came at a time when Rahman has been facing intense backlash in India. Recently, his comments on alleged communal bias in Bollywood and his remarks related to the film “Chhaava” sparked criticism online. He was accused by some groups of questioning national sentiment and promoting a divisive narrative, leading to him being labelled “antinational” and facing boycott calls.

Against this backdrop, Rahman’s choice to end the concert with patriotic anthems was widely seen as a strong and dignified response. Supporters pointed out that the criticism ignored his long-standing association with nationalistic music and his repeated performances of patriotic songs on global stages.

Social media was quick to react, with fans hailing the moment as powerful and unifying. One user remarked that Rahman had delivered a fitting reply to critics without saying a word, while several others praised the emotional energy of the performance.

Videos from the concert showed a crowd united in song, capturing a moment where music rose above controversy. For many in attendance, the finale reaffirmed Rahman’s legacy, not just as a musical icon, but as an artist whose work has consistently celebrated India on the world stage.