The Spanish Pop Star’s Two-Night Run at MMRDA Grounds, Which Saw Bollywood Stars in Attendance, Was a Heartfelt Reunion for a Generation of Fans.
Mumbai: Singer-songwriter Enrique Iglesias made his much-anticipated return to India this week, and while the performance was “a little older, a little rougher around the edges,” it was undeniably a long-awaited reunion. The Spanish pop superstar charmed fans across two sold-out nights at Mumbai’s MMRDA Grounds on October 29 and 30, marking his first concert in the country since 2012.
The event was a massive celebration built on pure nostalgia and collective singalongs for fans who grew up listening to his music. Iglesias rolled through his biggest, most iconic hits—including “Bailamos,” “Escape,” “Hero,” and “Be With You“—each met with thunderous applause and a crowd singing every lyric as if no time had passed.
An Audience Carries the Chorus
A highlight of the evening occurred midway through the emotional ballad “Hero.” Enrique paused, allowing the audience to take over the performance entirely. A visibly moved, smiling Iglesias folded his hands, said “Namaste,” and let the roaring crowd carry the chorus to the end.
Adding a playful, local touch to the set, the singer teased the intro of Panjabi MC’s global smash hit “Mundian Tu Bach Ke Rahi” before smoothly segueing into his next song.
The review notes that it was not Iglesias at his most flawless; his vocals occasionally wavered and the smooth tone that once defined his performances sometimes sounded stretched. However, the report emphasizes that these technical imperfections “hardly mattered.” For the little over an hour he was on stage, his legendary charisma and warmth kept the entire audience completely captivated.
Shared History and Progressive Moves
Iglesias further cemented the connection by reminiscing about his first trip to India in 2004, earning loud cheers from those who have followed his journey since the beginning. This sense of shared history turned the concert into a celebration of everything his music meant to a generation.
The event also drew a strong Bollywood presence, with stars like Malaika Arora, Rakul Preet Singh, Jackky Bhagnani, Sonal Chauhan, and Pragya Jaiswal spotted in the crowd, dancing and singing along to the tunes.
In a progressive move, the organisers demonstrated a commitment to accessibility by dedicating a section specifically for Persons with Disabilities (PWD), ensuring they could enjoy the show comfortably. This inclusive effort was hailed as a telling sign that India is becoming more serious about improving its concert infrastructure.
Ultimately, the concert proved that Enrique’s return was less about vocal perfection and more about rekindling a cherished bond. His sincerity and stage presence were enough to carry the night, leaving fans with a reminder of why his music still resonates across generations.
