From ‘Hero’ to ‘Escape’: Enrique Iglesias rekindles nostalgia in Mumbai

Spanish pop icon Enrique Iglesias returned to India this week after more than a decade, performing to sold-out crowds at Mumbai's MMRDA Grounds on October 29 and 30. The show marked his first India appearance since 2012 — and though time may have softened his once-flawless vocals, his magnetic charm and connection with fans remained unmistakable.

Over two nights, Enrique delivered a playlist packed with nostalgia — "Bailamos", "Escape", "Hero", and "Be With You" — sending the audience into euphoric sing-alongs. The energy peaked when he paused midway through "Hero" and let the crowd take over entirely. Folding his hands, he smiled and said Namaste, allowing thousands of voices to fill the air.

He even slipped in a playful surprise — teasing the opening beat of Panjabi MC's "Mundian Tu Bach Ke Rahi" before diving into his next number, earning cheers from delighted fans.

While the 49-year-old singer's vocals occasionally wavered, his warmth and stage presence more than made up for it. The show felt less like a performance and more like a heartfelt reunion — between artist and audience, between memory and melody.

Midway through the concert, Enrique reminisced about his first trip to India in 2004, drawing loud applause from longtime fans who've grown up with his songs. "It's amazing to be back," he said, visibly moved by the roaring welcome.

The audience wasn't just full of fans; Bollywood stars, including Malaika Arora, Rakul Preet Singh, Jackky Bhagnani, Sonal Chauhan, and Pragya Jaiswal were spotted dancing and singing along.

In a thoughtful gesture, organisers also reserved a special section for persons with disabilities (PWD), ensuring they could enjoy the concert comfortably — a rare and commendable move in India's live event scene. Fans from that section were seen singing and waving with equal joy, proving that great music transcends barriers.