A.R. Rahman Makes History at Attari Border with Live Performance for Main Vaapas Aaunga

In an unprecedented musical event at one of India's most emotionally charged landmarks, Oscar and Grammy-winning composer A.R. Rahman performed live at the Attari Border Post for the first time, paying tribute to the men and women of the Border Security Force (BSF).

The performance, titled Jai Ho – A Musical Salute to the Bravehearts, was held during the Beating Retreat Ceremony at the JCP Stadium and drew thousands of spectators. The evening marked a promotional milestone for the upcoming film Main Vaapas Aaunga, directed by Imtiaz Ali, whose story is set against the backdrop of the Partition of 1947.

Director Imtiaz Ali, actor Vedang Raina, Ananya Birla of Birla Studios, and producer Mohit Choudhary of Window Seat Films opened the event by welcoming the audience and expressing gratitude to the BSF. The filmmakers also dedicated the film's forthcoming music album to the Indian armed forces.

Rahman opened the musical segment with Chanda Suraj Lakhon Taare before the performance transitioned into songs from the film. Maskara was rendered by Nilanjana Ghosh and Vedang Raina, while Mohit Chauhan performed Ishq Mastana alongside Pooja Tiwari and Nargis. The evening culminated with Rahman's iconic Maa Tujhe Salaam, which drew an emotional response from the packed stadium.

"A.R. Rahman performing at the Attari Gate — this is an ode to the national spirit, to our bravehearts on the border, and to the spirit of love that binds us all," said Imtiaz Ali. He described the event as especially meaningful given the film's origins in the Partition — a period that, he noted, did not just fracture homes and lives, but broke hearts. "We bring a message of love because, ultimately, only love sustains us."

The Attari Border setting carries particular significance for the film. Main Vaapas Aaunga draws from personal stories of people who lived through the Partition — specifically the private, unspoken love that survived amid widespread loss and displacement.

The film stars Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari, and Vedang Raina. Music is composed by Padma Bhushan awardee A.R. Rahman, with lyrics by Irshad Kamil. Produced by Birla Studios, Applause Entertainment, and Window Seat Films, the film releases in cinemas on June 12, 2026, with music distributed by Tips Music.