20 November,2016 08:27 AM IST | | Gaurav Sarkar
Chris Martin spoke Hindi, Modi made a Rs 100 jibe, Sonakshi sang in 'alien' voice, and Mumbai figured how to smoke in a no-smoking venue. What everyone agreed on - as Trump would say - this was 'yuge'!
Coldplay band performed during the Global Citizen India show at MMRDA, Bandra in Mumbai. Pic/Satej Shinde
With serpentine queues stretching from various entry gates at the MMRDA Grounds as early as 11 am, and a lineup that qualifies as larger than life, thousands thronged to catch headlining act and British band Coldplay on Saturday.
AR Rahman performs at the Global Citizen Festival India show at MMRDA Grounds in Bandra. Pic/Satej Shinde
The show kicked off on time with the melodious Arijit Singh. Pop sensation Demi Lavato was the first international artist to perform at 3 pm, and she got the crowd bouncing on their toes.
Also Read: Photos: Coldplay's Chris Martin parties with SRK, other celebs in Mumbai
Shah Rukh Khan arrives at the venue. Pics/Sameer Markande
After messages from Amitabh Bachchan, UN General Secretary Ban Ki Moon, Nelson Mandela's grandson, American hip hop sensation Jay-Z took the stage.
No sooner had he reeled out his rhythmic poetry, a whiff of marijuana engulfed the spot in front of the stage. Other performers who made an entry in the early half included AR Rahman.
Farhan Akhtar greets Amar Singh as Boney Kapoor looks on
Who said no smoking?
Although attendees were not allowed to carry cigarettes inside the venue, by sunset, people who had managed to sneak in a smoke, had already figured a sly smoking spot inside the venue: right outside the bathrooms. This remained a 'safe spot' till the end of the concert.
Read Story: Coldplay in Mumbai: MMRDA ground turns into fortress
Directors Zoya Akhtar and Rahul Bose at the venue
Chris and his gang steal the show
After a small act post PM Modi's message, headlining act for the night, Coldplay took the stage, amid bright fireworks and sparkling lights. Teenage girls were seen screaming, "Chris!" When he came on stage, one of them shed a tear.
Vidya Balan and Sonakshi Sinha. Pic/Satej Shinde
"Yeh humari khush kismati hai jo aapke desh mein aaye hain," Chris said in rehearsed Hindi to roaring applause. The band came on at 8.30 pm and wrapped up by 10, playing most of their chart busters, including Yellow, Scientist, Fix you and Clocks.
Amitabh Bachchan and Farhan Akhtar. Pic/Twitter
Arjun Rampal. Pic/Sameer Markande
AR Rahman performing at the concert. Pic/Twitter
1.5
No. of hours Coldplay performed
20
No. of minutes, PM Modi was on screen
300
Amount in crores Ratan Tata pledged
