Coldplay’s Lasting Bond with India: From ‘Hymn for the Weekend’ to Heartfelt Performances

The Enduring Affection Coldplay Has for India

Coldplay, the globally renowned British band, has a special connection with India that has only deepened over the years. Their journey with the country began in 2015 when lead singer Chris Martin visited India for the first time. This trip marked the beginning of a lasting bond that continues to grow stronger with each passing year.

Coldplay’s First Encounter with India

Chris Martin’s first visit to India wasn’t for music but for a cause. In 2015, he traveled to New Delhi as part of the Global Poverty Project, known as Global Citizen, an international NGO dedicated to ending extreme poverty. During his visit, Martin had a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, a nationwide sanitation campaign. This meeting also played a crucial role in bringing the Global Citizen Festival (GCF) to India.

As curator of the Global Citizen Festival, Martin secured Modi’s support for the 2016 event, which was set to take place in Mumbai. This marked the beginning of Coldplay's official association with India.

The Global Citizen Festival

When the GCF took place in Mumbai on November 19, 2016, it was a landmark event. Coldplay headlined the festival, which also featured an array of Indian and international stars. The show, held at the MMRDA Grounds, saw performances by Bollywood legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, as well as global music icons like Jay-Z and Demi Lovato.

Chris Martin’s command of Hindi during the performance was met with an enthusiastic response from the audience. One of the evening’s highlights was Coldplay’s impromptu rendition of the hit song “Channa Mereya” by Arijit Singh. The performance ended with Martin waving the Indian flag and singing “Maa Tujhe Salaam,” alongside Indian music maestro A.R. Rahman, a moment that left a lasting impact on the crowd.

The Music Video for ‘Hymn for the Weekend’

One of the key moments in Coldplay’s relationship with India was the creation of the music video for their hit song ‘Hymn for the Weekend,’ shot in Mumbai and Kolkata in October 2015. Featuring Beyoncé and Indian actress Sonam Kapoor, the video showcased vibrant Indian culture through colorful frames and slow-motion shots.

While the video became a massive success, attracting over 2.1 billion views on YouTube by January 2025, it was also met with some criticism. Many commentators felt the video played into stereotypes about India, such as showcasing clichés like peacocks, holy men, and fire-eaters. Despite this, the video played a significant role in connecting Coldplay to millions of new fans in India.

Coldplay’s Continued Affection for India

Though Coldplay didn’t return to India until 2025, their bond with the country remained strong. The influence of India can be seen in their live performances, where Coldplay began incorporating elements of Indian culture. For example, since 2016, the band’s kick drum has featured their name written in the Devanagari script. Similarly, some of their amplifiers also carry the script, a tribute to India’s cultural influence.

In an interview with CNN News18 in 2016, Chris Martin described India as a “microcosm” of the world, reflecting both its challenges and triumphs. He expressed how India made him feel "alive in the strongest possible sense," emphasizing the unique energy and vibrancy that the country radiates.

Conclusion

Coldplay’s relationship with India has been one of mutual admiration and respect. The band’s music, their philanthropic efforts, and their cultural exchanges have forged a deep bond with Indian fans. From their first visit in 2015 to their return in 2025, Coldplay has continued to celebrate India in their own special way, ensuring that their affection for the country endures for years to come.