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Sat, Nov 16, 2024 | Jumada al-Awwal 14, 1446 | DXB
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Hello India: Justin Bieber rocks Mumbai in first concert
A fan kisses a picture of Justin Bieber ahead of his concert
Mumbai - Citizens and celebrities flocked to D.Y. Patil Stadium on Wednesday for the superstar's first ever concert in India
The 23-year-old Prince of Pop is here as part of his Purpose World Tour, organised here by White Fox India, and sponsored by Jio.
"Hello India," Bieber said to the crowd of Beliebers, who waited for hours altogether in scorching heat to watch him perform on a humongous stage enhanced by graphics as well as enlivened with startling fireworks and the rousing response of the audience.
"What a beautiful night for me as I am here in this beautiful country for the first timeaAnd you people are fav (favourite)," Bieber said at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Mumbai on a full moon night.
His fans welcomed him by putting their hands in the air, while some female fans were seen overcome by emotions as he sang his famous songs "Cold water", "Love yourself", "I will show you how".
The crowd at the show, which saw "Harry Potter" actress Elarica Johnson as host, had Bollywood presence with celebrities like Alia Bhatt, Ayan Mukerji, Annu Malik, Remo D'Souza, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arjun Rampal, Sridevi, Malaika Arora, Arbaaz Khan and Raveena Tandon -- some of whom brought along their children.
In the run up to the headlining act, DJ Sartek and DJ Zaeden set the ball rolling, paving the stage for Norwegian DJ Alan Walker, who has a huge fan following of his own.
When Bieber finally hit the stage -- wearing a pair of shorts and a T-shirt -- with his team of dancers, the excitement in the crowd was at its peak.
There were fans dressed in black T-shirts with 'BELIEBER' written across them, and those flaunting tees with his photographs and even others with hoardings that read "We love you Bieber" and "Meri jaan" at the venue.
The crowd predominantly saw youngsters, but it was interesting to note how people had come from various parts of the country -- and in groups -- to witness the concert, one of the biggest in India in recent times.
However, media persons invited to cover the live show experienced difficulties in entering the venue. Even Bipasha Basu, who came with actor-husband Karan Singh Grover, didn't seem to have a great time.
"All dressed up for nothing. Ha ha ha," she posted on Instagram with one image of herself ready for the concert.
She then posted another image with Karan, and wrote: "So what we could not enjoy at the concert... Still it's always fun with you my love. Thank you."
The security was beefed up for the concert and for the artiste. Around 500 policemen were deployed, while Bieber had Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's personal bodyguard Shera on duty.
Bieber landed here on a chartered flight early on Wednesday. During the day, a string of videos available on social media gave a glimpse into how Bieber got a taste of his fandom on the streets while he was roaming around in a car.
Bieber's India plan includes a visit to New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. His entourage apart, he has been accompanied by his mother Patricia.
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