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Shawn Mendes not only set the stage on fire with his soulful tunes but also won hearts by rocking a Virat Kohli jersey, shopping for chappals in Colaba, and jamming with Indian classical musicians!
Shawn Mendes’ debut performance in India was a masterclass in music, connection, and cultural appreciation
Lollapalooza’s third edition kicked off with a stellar lineup featuring Shawn Mendes, Glass Animals, Zedd, Cory Wong, and more, making for an unforgettable first day at Mumbai’s Mahalakshmi Race Course.
The undeniable highlight of the night was Shawn Mendes, who won over hearts not just with his soulful music but also with his enthusiasm for Indian culture—and cricket. In a moment that sent the crowd into a frenzy, the Canadian singer proudly sported Virat Kohli’s Indian cricket team jersey during his 90-minute set. With an infectious smile, he patted the back of his neck, flaunting the jersey, and addressed the roaring audience: “India, I know you have a big, important cricket game tomorrow. Good luck. I hope everything goes well for you.” His heartfelt support was a nod to India’s upcoming ICC Tournament final against New Zealand in Dubai, further cementing his bond with the local fans.
This marked Shawn’s first visit to India, and he made the most of his time in Mumbai, spending three days immersing himself in the city’s vibrant energy. Social media buzzed with snapshots and videos of him strolling through Colaba Causeway in a simple vest and picking up a pair of chappals. His spontaneous performance of ‘Señorita’ at a Mumbai music academy further endeared him to fans, who were thrilled by his candid interactions.
Reflecting on his experience, Shawn shared, “These past three days have been some of the most magical of my life. It has been truly special.” His admiration for India shone through in his performance, as he sprinkled Hindi phrases like “Dher sara pyaar” and “Dhanyawad” throughout the night, much to the delight of the audience. The crowd, in turn, showered him with unwavering love, belting out his lyrics in unison and making him pause in awe on multiple occasions. Every guitar solo was met with an impromptu singalong, proving that the audience simply couldn’t get enough.
In a rare and deeply appreciated musical gesture, Shawn invited two Indian classical musicians on stage—a tabla player and a sitarist—to collaborate with him. Introducing the segment, he said, “Music always unites. I have always had so much love and admiration for India and its musicians. You have one of the most magnificent musical cultures in the world. I want to do something special for you tonight.” As their melodies intertwined with his acoustic guitar, the moment became one of the festival’s most poignant, showcasing a beautiful fusion of global and Indian sounds.
Shawn’s setlist was a rollercoaster of emotions, opening with high-energy hits like ‘There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back,’ ‘Wonder,’ ‘Treat You Better,’ and ‘Lost In Japan.’ He later slowed things down with tracks from his latest album, Shawn, including ‘Heart of Gold,’ ‘Why Why Why,’ and ‘Who Am I.’ For these heartfelt ballads, he was joined by his band, featuring two violinists who added a rich, orchestral depth to the performance. Midway through, he surprised the audience by stepping off the stage and weaving through the crowd, taking selfies, shaking hands, and soaking in the overwhelming affection.
From start to finish, Shawn Mendes’ debut performance in India was a masterclass in music, connection, and cultural appreciation. His genuine enthusiasm for the country and its people ensured that this night would be etched in the memories of fans for years to come.