As the excitement stirred in Mumbai’s air, the first ever Lollapalooza India festival kicked off its musical extravaganza with a surprise Bollywood track, ‘Gallan Goodiyaan’, teasing fans who eagerly anticipated the Jonas Brothers’ performance. The band, having a unique familial connection to India through Nick Jonas’ marriage to Indian superstar Priyanka Chopra, embraced the affectionate term ‘Jiju’—brother-in-law—bestowed upon Nick by the Indian crowd. Their quip about the sangeet— a traditional Indian wedding ceremony featuring dance and music—not counting as a performance, incited thunderous applause from an enraptured audience.
Over the span of two vibrant days, the festival united a diverse roster of performers, much to the delight of the thousands of music enthusiasts present. The anticipation of witnessing live acts from a blend of genres translated into an ambiance of discovery for many as they encountered new rhythms and melodies while rekindling their love for classic hits.
Nostalgia washed over millennials as the Jonas Brothers churned out Disney Channel hits like ‘S.O.S’, ‘Year 3000’, and tunes from their 2008 musical film Camp Rock. The charismatic Sting, performing in Mumbai after nearly four decades, captivated multiple generations with his arresting melodies, rendering the crowd emotional as they swayed to ‘A Thousand Years’, ‘Desert Rose’, and ‘Every Breath You Take’.
Lollapalooza India’s varied musical landscape stretched across four stages at the sprawling venue of Mahalaxmi Racecourse, ornately transformed into a celebratory space complete with carnival games and a smorgasbord of food choices, orchestrated by BookMyShow Live and global partners. The festival witnessed nearly 35 artists over the weekend, promising an unparalleled live music experience.
As day one unfolded, the indie-folk band When Chai Met Toast invigorated listeners with their light-hearted tunes, while Lauv enchanted the crowd with ‘Paris in the Rain’ amidst a seemingly drizzly stage. Notable acts continued with Chennai’s Skrat and the jazz-rock ensemble Jatayu, among others, with rock music asserting a commanding presence.
Singer Fatoumata Diawara from Mali enthralled with her traditional rhythms, while The Raghu Dixit Project transcended the mere audio experience with a visual feast replete with dancers and stilt performers. Magnifying the festival’s charm were instances like Halsey expressing regret for not having performed in India sooner to an eager audience that devoured her powerful stage presence.
Day two of Lollapalooza India did not fall behind, as fans braved the sweltering heat for performances by bands like The Rose and solo artists such as the affable Eric Nam. Collaborative highlights included Armaan Malik and rapper King sharing the stage with international artists for engaging duets.
As genres and styles bloomed throughout the festival, the psychedelic sounds of sitarist Anoushka Shankar, the rugged riffs of Keane, and Jungle’s electronic beats encapsulated the auditory spectrum. The festival’s penultimate act, OneRepublic, filled the atmosphere with their chart-topping anthems, paving the way for Sting’s starstruck finale that etched in memory the beautiful blend of nostalgia, harmony, and cultural fusion that made Lollapalooza India a triumphant occurrence.
