Shah Rukh Khan’s charm, Ranveer Singh’s performance, AR Rahman and Coldplay’s duet – 7 Highlights from Global Citizen Festival 2016
The Global Citizen India Festival, which took place in Mumbai on November 19, got aired on television today. It was great to watch it in the comfort of my home without having to pay for the ticket. The musical extravaganza ended with Coldplay performing for the first time in India. The show was organised with an aim to create awareness about the socio-economic issues prevalent in India such as poverty, gender inequality, illiteracy, lack of clean drinking water, unsanitary conditions and much more.
The government of India along with NGO – Global Citizen organised this event and we have to say it was an eye opener for many people. Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Sonam Kapoor and even PM Narendra Modi spoke about these issues and took a pledge to make India a better country. But for the entertainment of the crowd, a host of celeb performances were planned including acts by Shraddha Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha, Ranveer Singh, Jay Z, Demi Lovato, Coldplay and a few others. The night was made memorable by each passing minute, however there were 7 instances which you cannot miss. Check em’ out here:
# Shah Rukh Khan’s magical performance…
Though SRK was not supposed to perform, the actor took centre stage to introduce and welcome A R Rahman. But to call him up, he put a small act where he performed a few of ARR’s songs. Chaiyya Chaiyya, Jiya Jale and Sadda Haq were a few songs that he sang, leaving everyone spellbound.
# Jay Z’s big surprise…
Shah Rukh Khan came on to the stage once again. This time he welcomed Jay Z, but to his surprise, the singer had a trick up his sleeve. Jay Z started rapping on Shah Rukh Khan’s Chaiyya Chaiyya, leaving the crowd scratching their head in amusement. He then rapped to the Punjabi track – Mundiya tu bach ke. Cool na?
# Ranveer Singh’s electrifying act…
We already knew that Ranveer Singh was going to perform on Ude Dil Befikre, Nashe Di Chadh Gayi Hain and Malhari. However, his energy was so electric that it actually took the show to another level.
# Shah Rukh and Sachin’s hilarious banter
Before calling Coldplay on to the stage, SRK called Sachin Tendulkar. The actor asked the cricketer about his school visit with Coldplay. Sachin mentioned how they had played a game of cricket with the children during their visit. SRK went on to ask him if he taught Chris how to bat during their outing, but Sachin revealed, “No, in fact he taught me how to play the guitar.” The actor laughed and said, “Great, next time I am having a concert, you will be my lead guitarist.” The cricketer laughed and replied back, “Ok, but only if you open the innings with me when I play cricket next time around.” The crowd burst out laughing, but SRK was left red faced. 
# Coldplay’s act
So Coldplay finally came on stage and as soon as they started performing, the whole atmosphere changed. The energy, enthusiasm and love was seen in the crowd and Coldplay set the stage on fire with their act. They start with A Head Full Of Dreams and followed it up with Yellow and Paradise. Lead singer and guitarist – Chris Martin even greeted everyone with a Namastey. Cool na? But that’s not it! When the band performed Magic, you could feel everyone getting goosebumps. Cool na?
# AR Rahman and Coldplay’s duet
Chris Martin called upon A R Rahman to end the show. The Oscar winner came on stage and recited Vande Mataram. Chris played the guitar to give him the tune and their jam session was really cool. The crowd joined in and they all sang along. But when Chris sang Vande Mataram, everyone was shocked. But it felt really fabulous!
# Chris ends the show with Channa Mereya…
After Vande Mataram, Chris wasn’t yet finished with his surprises. The Coldplay lead singer and guitarist sang Ae Dil Hai Mushkil‘s Channa Mereya to bring an end to the show. When he started off, people were confused, but as he started singing, people just fell in love with Coldplay and Chris more than ever…
What do you guys have to say about the highlights from the Global Citizen India Festival 2016? Tell us about your thoughts in the comments section below!