Justin Bieber takes on Mumbai heat to blow away his 'desi' fans

Justin Bieber performs at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, yesterday. Pic/Sneha Kharabe

Less than 24 hours in the country and Justin Bieber had no qualms admitting that some of the coolest people he has ever met happen to Indians. Announcing his arrival some 20 hours before actually landing in the city, the 22-year-old pop star had tagged British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia in his tweet. And as he performed at the DY Patil Stadium yesterday, he seemed to enjoy the energy of his desi fans, who braved the swelter to rush into the venue at 2 pm.

You had to be a true Belieber to enjoy the gig. After battling serpentine queues in the heat, dirty loos, lack of dustbins, overpriced food and beverages and several performances later, we caught a glimpse of the pop star. He moved around listlessly in gym shorts, tee and sneakers, as the humidity seemed to sap the energy out of him.

As mentioned before, this was an event for die-hard fans, who were swooning at the sight of their singing idol. But the mostly young crowd also seemed smitten by Bollywood celebrities, who filled the VIP section, just next to the general ground. Until Justin Bieber hit the stage, chants of Alia, Alia (actress Alia Bhatt) rent the air.

In a rather funny moment, Bieber seemed to be lip-syncing to some songs - a track started playing while he was still sipping water. At one point, he even apologised for his guitar being out of tune. We were a bit disappointed to miss his trademark dance moves with the energy he is usually known for. Blame the Mumbai heat, but none of the Beliebers - or Bieber - seemed to give up until it was time to call it a day, staying true to one of JB's hits - Don't you give up, na, na, na, I won't give up, na, na, na.

That's how Bieber blew Mumbai away.