WATCH: MGR’s classic ‘Naalai Namathe’ sets the tone at PM Modi’s Malaysia lunch | World News

Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the Indian community in Kuala Lumpur during his two-day visit to Malaysia. It highlights the strong cultural and people-to-people ties that bind the two countries together.

The visit included a mix of official meetings, cultural programs and time spent with members of the Indian diaspora, underlining the enduring friendship between India and Malaysia. On Saturday evening, Prime Minister Modi attended a special lunch hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, where the atmosphere was lively and filled with cultural nostalgia.

Highlights of the lunch included the playing of the iconic Tamil song Naalai Namathe from the 1975 masala classic starring the legendary MG Ramachandran (MGR). The song resonated with leaders and guests alike and underlined the shared admiration for the Indian cinema heritage.

PM Modi later recounted the moment on his social media and added that the Malaysian Prime Minister, like many in India, is an avid fan of MGR and his timeless films.

At the luncheon hosted by my friend Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, one of the songs sung from a movie starring the great MGR was Naalai Namathe!

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, like most of us in India, is a big fan of MGR!@anwaribrahim pic.twitter.com/lwzqYQqojU—Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 8, 2026

Prime Minister Enver İbrahim shared brief information about the visit and emphasized the deep-rooted ties between the two countries. He emphasized that the visit began with a reception at the Bunga Raya Complex, followed by a visit to Seri Kembangan to meet the Indian community and celebrate the cultural, historical and economic ties that have continued to thrive over centuries.

The luncheon and related events were a lively showcase of India’s thriving cultural heritage abroad. PM Modi witnessed a series of performances, including traditional Nadhaswaram and Thavil recitals, devotional Thirumurai chants, Wayang Kulit shadow puppets and a Ramayana-based Bharatanatyam presentation.

These performances illustrated the shared cultural history that binds India and Malaysia, offering a poignant reminder of the enduring connections between continents.