Instead of offering the crowd a Namaste to spark applause, the audience was met with an apology for Britain’s colonial rule in India during the Coldplay concert in Mumbai on Saturday.

Chris Martin had said additionally, “It is amazing to us that you welcome us even though we are from Great Britain. Thank you for forgiving us for all the bad things that Great Britain has done.” 

Chris Martin had also yelled “Shah Rukh Khan forever” before one of the many performances on Sunday. A video of this was circulated on social media platforms and ignited responses from followers of the superstar as well as the superstar himself. Shah Rukh Khan had then responded with lyrics from their song Yellow as he said, “Look at the stars, look how they shine for you, and everything you do! My brother, Chris Martin, you make me feel special, like your songs.”

The evening was filled with consistent efforts by Chris Martin to reach out to the audience and make them feel seen. He had attempted to speak in Hindi and Marathi which was welcomed and received with excitement. And when the concert was coming to an end Chris Martin teased the audience bidding them an early farewell as it was time for Jasprit Bumrah (Indian Bowler) to play cricket at the stadium.

The circulation of the video of Chris Martin (specifically on Twitter) offering his apology to the audience was met with mixed responses from Indians as well as Brits. It was mainly divided between Indians welcoming the apology, and the Brits being ashamed of it (Not the history, the apology).

During a previous concert in their world tour, which took place in Abu Dhabi, Chris Martin had dedicated a song to “our brothers and sisters” in Gaza, West Bank, Pakistan, Jerusalem and Iran. The statement was followed by the song Everglow.

Chris Martin’s individual comments in each of his performances have ignited “sparks” of controversial remarks, humor responses, as well as a questioning of intent. The responses ranged from requesting that Chris Martin give them a free concert next time as reparations, (in response to the apology) to reminders that Pakistan was also part of the colonized Indian subcontinent.

After today’s show, which will also be taking place in Navi Mumbai, there will be two more shows in Ahmedabad at the Narendra Modi Stadium on the 25th and 26th of January. What will Chris Martin say next?

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