KUALA LUMPUR: Award-winning composer AR Rahman knows how to command a mega-concert.
Entertaining an energetic crowd of about 60,000 at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium last night, the 'Secret of Success: Live in Malaysia 2023' concert was certainly one showcase that will keep concertgoers in good spirits through the weekend.
The 53-year-old singer, songwriter and music producer saw his fans singing and dancing in unison when musical scores from popular films such as 'Slumdog Millionaire' and 'Sivaji the boss' hit the air.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, were also seen bopping to the maestro's tunes.
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil was also present with his wife and stayed on till the end of the energetic show.
"We are all here tonight to support the show and excited to look into how we can better work together on how events such as this can boost both tourism and entertainment," Fahmi said in his remarks to the press before entering the concert venue.
As the energy towards the much-anticipated show built up, there was some discomfort concerning crowd control and unavailable seats experienced by VVIP ticket holders. Several guests got frustrated with security at the beginning of the concert.
However, before the commotion got too rowdy it was overtaken by the melodic high from AR Rahman and his band.
The melodic ragas performed immediately put fans, or in this case, 'Rah-maniacs', at ease and reminded them why they were present at the event in the first place.
No doubt, the packed stadium was rocking with delight but it takes a while to process a musical gathering of this kind if one is experiencing it for the first time.
Rahman's greatest hits kept people's spirits up with most of them on their feet grooving together with the stage.
Celebrated Malaysian songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza came up to join the man of the hour almost two hours after the show kicked off.
She quipped to the crowd that it was one of her biggest nights seeing her dream becoming a reality — sharing the stage with Rahman himself.
"Thank you for having me up here, I promise to give my best at singing the song in Tamil for all of you here tonight," the No. 1 Malaysian artist remarked to the crowd.
Siti sang 'Munbe Vaa' and carried out the lyrics in harmony with singer Haricharan in a duet.
It was one of the highlights of the night as the event showcased how a great musical spectacle can bring all walks of life together.
Among the many touches that made the show a success was that Rahman pieced together a professional ensemble of respected talents (such as his playback singers Hariharan and Shweta Mohan) and percussionist.
Those present on stage knew how important the show was to the thousand of fans attended, leaving a great example of why Malaysia will continuously have a special place in the internationally acclaimed musician's heart.