The internationally acclaimed American pop-rock trio, the Jonas Brothers, marked their first-ever performance in India with a remarkable show at the second installment of the ‘Lollapalooza India’ music festival, held in Mumbai. The celebrated lineup featured Nick Jonas, Joe Jonas, and Kevin Jonas, who landed in India on the morning of their highly anticipated concert. Not only did this event signify their inaugural performance on Indian soil, but it also doubled as their Lollapalooza festival debut.
The concert was charged with electricity, and amidst the fervor, there arose a heartwarming interaction guided by the band members themselves. Kevin Jonas referred to his brother Nick with an affectionate and culturally significant term ‘Jiju,’ which means ‘brother-in-law’ in Hindi, highlighting the connection the brothers share with Mumbai. The term is notably significant as Nick Jonas is wedded to Indian actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, thereby establishing a special bond with the country. Capitalizing on this moment, Kevin introduced the song ‘Waffle House’ from their album and prompted the audience to address Nick with the familial moniker. Following Kevin’s lead, Joe coaxed the crowd into chanting ‘Jiju’ in unison, which they joyously did as Nick geared up to start singing.
The phenomenon reached social media when actress Taapsee Pannu, who was also in attendance at ‘Lollapalooza India’ with her sister Shagun and friends, captured the moment and shared a video of the crowd unanimously calling Nick ‘Jiju.’ The Instagram post encapsulated the friendly and welcoming atmosphere that pervaded the event.
Further enhancing the concert experience, the organizers had innovated the stage setup. The main stage at Lollapalooza India now boasted a ramp extending to the pit section, a new feature from its previous design. Setting the mood for the event, before the Jonas Brothers’ set began, Nick’s wife’s song ‘Galla Goodiyaan’ from the Bollywood movie ‘Dil Dhadakane Do’ resonated through the speakers, garnering cheers from the audience.
Once the Jonas Brothers commenced their performance, Nick showcased his multifaceted talent not only by captivating the audience with his vocals but also by deftly playing the guitar alongside his brother. The stage brimmed with dynamic energy that was further amplified by a vibrant wind section stationed at the forefront, featuring a trombone, trumpet, and soprano saxophone which lent their rhythms to the track ‘Play My Music’ from the movie ‘Camp Rock’.
Expressing his sentiments before the enraptured crowd, Nick articulated his and his family’s profound connection with India. He candidly shared his anticipation for performing in the country and conveyed his embrace of the audience, stating, “We consider every single one of you here tonight as family.” Nick’s statement echoed a feeling of unity and kinship, echoing the warm relationship he has cultivated with India, frequented in the past alongside his wife, Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
Lollapalooza India 2024 is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Jonas Brothers and their ability to connect with audiences across the globe. Their performance in Mumbai was not only a milestone for their fans in India but also for the cultural exchange that music can foster.
The enthusiasm and love extended by the Indian audience reiterated that music surpasses geographical boundaries, and for the Jonas Brothers, this evening in Mumbai was an unforgettable one. The festival, bolstered by the brothers’ heartfelt performance and a ‘jiju’ moment that resonated with Indian cultural sentiment, showcases the universal language of music and the special relationship between performers and their fans. This event surely sets the stage for more such musical unions in the future, marking a brilliant beginning to the Jonas Brothers’ journey with their Indian ‘family.’
