Modi and Malaysian PM Share Love for Old Tamil Song

During a lunch in Malaysia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi heard a song from an old Tamil film. He said that the Malaysian Prime Minister, like many people in India, really liked the actor MGR. This showed a nice connection through shared culture.
By Newsroom | India, Malaysia |

During a recent visit to Malaysia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi observed a shared appreciation for Tamil culture with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. This observation occurred during a luncheon where a song from the film "Naalai Namathe" by iconic Tamil actor M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) was played. Prime Minister Modi noted that Prime Minister Ibrahim, like many in India, appears to be a "big fan" of MGR.

Cultural Connections Amidst Diplomatic Engagements

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Malaysia, spanning two days, aimed to deepen ties between the two nations. During his engagements, including a community program in Kuala Lumpur, Prime Minister Modi specifically addressed the presence and contributions of the Tamil diaspora in Malaysia. He remarked that members of this community have been integrated into various sectors of Malaysian society for many centuries, noting that Malaysia hosts the world's second-largest population of Indian origin, predominantly Tamils. The spontaneous cultural connection over MGR's music during the luncheon appears to have been a notable element of the visit, underscoring the people-to-people linkages between India and Malaysia.

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MGR song at lunch table: PM Modi lauds ‘shared affection’ for Tamil during Malaysia visit - 1

MGR: A Lingering Cultural and Political Icon

Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran, widely known as MGR, holds a significant place in Indian cultural and political history. He transitioned from a celebrated film career to public life, founding the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) party in Tamil Nadu and later serving as the state's Chief Minister. His film "Naalai Namathe," released in 1975, is among his well-known works. The shared recognition of MGR by both Prime Ministers suggests a mutual cultural understanding that transcends national borders.

Examination of Evidence

The primary evidence for this event stems from multiple news reports published on February 8, 2026, shortly after the luncheon. These reports consistently cite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks regarding Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's admiration for MGR.

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  • Prime Minister Modi's Statement: Reports from India Today, Mathrubhumi, The Tribune, The Hindu, Deccan Herald, CNBC TV18, and The New Indian Express all quote Prime Minister Modi stating, "PM Anwar Ibrahim, like several of us in India, is a big fan of MGR!"

  • Context of the Luncheon: The event occurred during a luncheon hosted in honor of Prime Minister Modi in Kuala Lumpur. A song from MGR's film "Naalai Namathe" was presented at this gathering.

  • Broader Context of Modi's Visit: Earlier in his visit, Prime Minister Modi had spoken at a community program, highlighting the long-standing presence and contributions of the Tamil diaspora in Malaysia.

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The consistent reporting across various news outlets suggests a shared factual basis for the event.

Shared Affection for Tamil Culture

The episode at the lunch table highlights a particular aspect of cultural diplomacy. Prime Minister Modi's observation about Prime Minister Ibrahim's fondness for MGR underscores the pervasive influence of Tamil cultural figures.

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  • MGR's Legacy: MGR's dual role as a film star and a political leader cemented his status as a cultural icon, particularly in Tamil Nadu. His enduring appeal seems to extend to audiences in Malaysia.

  • Diaspora Connections: The event occurred against the backdrop of Prime Minister Modi's emphasis on the deep ties and contributions of the Tamil diaspora in Malaysia. This suggests a deliberate acknowledgment of cultural bonds during the diplomatic visit.

Reciprocal Appreciation of Cultural Figures

The accounts suggest a moment of informal connection rooted in shared cultural appreciation.

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  • Identification of a Shared Interest: Prime Minister Modi identified a common point of admiration with his Malaysian counterpart in MGR, a figure well-known in both India and among the Tamil diaspora in Malaysia.

  • Symbolic Significance: The playing of a song from MGR's film at a state luncheon can be interpreted as a gesture acknowledging the cultural heritage of a significant segment of Malaysia's population. It also served to connect with the visiting Indian Prime Minister on a familiar cultural note.

Expert Perspectives

Lacking direct expert commentary within the provided data, the implications can be inferred from the context. The convergence of diplomatic engagements with cultural recognition is a common strategy in international relations.

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  • Cultural Soft Power: The recognition of shared cultural interests, such as admiration for MGR, can serve as a form of soft power, fostering goodwill and strengthening bilateral relationships.

  • Diaspora Engagement: Highlighting the contributions and cultural legacy of the diaspora is a frequent tactic used by visiting leaders to acknowledge and connect with expatriate communities, thereby reinforcing ties with their home countries.

Conclusion and Implications

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interaction with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at a luncheon in Kuala Lumpur provided an instance of shared cultural appreciation. The presentation of a song from MGR's film "Naalai Namathe" led Prime Minister Modi to comment on Prime Minister Ibrahim's apparent admiration for the Tamil cinematic icon. This event occurred during Prime Minister Modi's broader visit to Malaysia, where he also spoke about the long-standing presence and contributions of the Tamil diaspora.

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The convergence of diplomatic discussions with a moment of shared cultural familiarity, centered on MGR, suggests an effort to leverage cultural connections to strengthen bilateral relations. The act itself, coupled with Prime Minister Modi's public acknowledgment, appears intended to recognize and validate the cultural heritage of the Tamil community in Malaysia and to foster a sense of shared identity. Further analysis would require examination of official statements from both governments regarding the outcomes of the diplomatic visit and any subsequent cultural exchange initiatives.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened between PM Modi and the Malaysian PM?
They shared a moment over a song from an old Tamil movie. PM Modi said the Malaysian PM was a fan of the actor MGR.
Q: Why is this important?
It shows that leaders can connect over shared culture, like music and movies. It also highlights the Tamil community in Malaysia.
Q: Who is MGR?
MGR was a very famous Tamil actor and later a politician in India. Many people liked his movies and his work.
Q: When did this happen?
This happened during PM Modi's visit to Malaysia in early February 2026.