Attari, Punjab : In a historic and emotionally charged event, Academy Award and Grammy Award-winning music maestro A.R. Rahman delivered his first-ever live performance at the iconic Attari Border Post, creating a landmark moment in India’s cultural and patriotic landscape. Held during the renowned Beating Retreat Ceremony, Jai Ho – A Musical Salute to the Bravehearts brought together thousands of visitors at the JCP Stadium to honour the courage, sacrifice and dedication of the Border Security Force (BSF) and India’s armed forces. The atmosphere resonated with patriotism, gratitude and national pride as spectators witnessed an unforgettable evening of music and tribute.
The event held special significance for the upcoming film Main Vaapas Aaunga, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Imtiaz Ali. Set against the backdrop of the Partition of India, the film explores themes of love, longing and human resilience during one of the most defining chapters in the subcontinent’s history. The evening commenced with filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, Birla Studios’ Ananya Birla, actor Vedang Raina and producer Mohit Choudhary of Window Seat Films expressing their gratitude to the BSF and dedicating the film’s upcoming music album to the nation’s brave armed forces personnel.
A.R. Rahman opened the musical tribute with the soulful Chanda Suraj Lakhon Taare, followed by performances from the soundtrack of Main Vaapas Aaunga. Highlights included Maskara performed by Nilanjana Ghosh and Vedang Raina, and Ishq Mastana sung by Mohit Chauhan, Pooja Tiwari and Nargis. The evening culminated with Rahman’s iconic patriotic anthem Maa Tujhe Salaam, leaving the audience deeply moved and inspired.
Speaking on the occasion, filmmaker Imtiaz Ali said, “This performance is an ode to the national spirit, to our bravehearts on the border, the BSF and the Indian Army, and to the spirit of solidarity and love that binds us all. Main Vaapas Aaunga originates from the making of the border during the Partition of 1947, where not only homes and lives were lost, but hearts were broken as well. We bring a message of love because, ultimately, only love sustains us.”
Main Vaapas Aaunga stars Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari and Vedang Raina in pivotal roles. The film’s music is composed by A.R. Rahman with lyrics by Irshad Kamil.
Produced by Birla Studios, Applause Entertainment, Mohit Choudhary and Shibasish Sarkar of Window Seat Films, the film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on June 12, 2026, with music released under Tips Music.
The historic event at Attari Border stands as a powerful celebration of patriotism, unity and the enduring spirit of love that transcends borders.