By Renu Mehta
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
It was a night of musical magic at Scotiabank Arena as Oscar and Grammy-winning composer A.R. Rahman brought his immersive concert experience, The Wonderment Tour, to a sold-out crowd. The arena pulsed with energy, filled with nostalgic melodies and soulful beats that transported fans through decades of cinematic brilliance.
From the moment the lights dimmed, Rahman’s performance redefined what a live concert could be. Seamlessly blending breathtaking visuals, narrative transitions, and a transformative soundscape, the show was a sensory feast. Songs from beloved films like Roja, Guru, Rang De Basanti and Taal had the audience dancing, singing, and reliving cherished memories. Presented by Concerts West, AEG Presents, and Kash Patel Productions, the production featured a genre-spanning ensemble of vocalists and musicians who joined Rahman in crafting an unforgettable experience.
The concert celebrated the wonder of music, breath, and love—core themes rooted in Rahman’s creative spirit. The performance was layered, emotional, and cinematic, designed to awaken the senses and connect people through sound and story. As Rahman sang in both Hindi and Tamil, the crowd erupted in joy, lighting up their phones and singing along with every note.
“The language may be different, but the musical notes resonated—it was magical,” said one attendee, calling it a lifelong dream to witness Rahman live.
Stunning visuals accompanied the music, showcasing heritage architecture, vibrant cultural motifs, and traditional Indian dance forms performed by women in classical attire. The imagery added depth and richness to the already immersive experience.
Rahman’s connection with the audience was palpable. Songs like Mustafa Mustafa, Dil hai Chota Sa, Choti si Asha, Chaiya Chaiya and other timeless compositions, were on full display as he delivered a seamless three-hour performance that never lost momentum. The setlist featured a wide array of hits from Hindi cinema, each one met with thunderous applause and heartfelt singalongs.
Joining Rahman on stage was a powerhouse lineup of talent, including Rakshita Suresh, known for her dynamic vocals in Ponniyin Selvan: Part Two and Mimi; A.R. Ameen, Rahman’s son and rising playback star, celebrated for his soulful performances in Dil Bechara, Ayalaan, and his single “Sago”; Shweta Mohan, one of South India’s most celebrated playback singers, with over 750 recordings and five Filmfare Awards; Nakul Abhyankar, a multilingual vocalist and composer with credits in Frozen 2, Cobra, and Sarkar; Mayssa Karaa, Grammy-nominated Lebanese American singer renowned for blending Arabic and Western sounds, including her chart-topping collaboration with Rahman on “Hayati”; Zanai Bhosle, an emerging Indian artist and granddaughter of Asha Bhosle, brings a fresh voice rooted in musical and royal heritage; Nitesh Aher, a Bollywood playback singer, featured in the upcoming film Bollywood Tere Ishq Mein; and Adithya Radhakrishnan, also known as Adithya RK, whose recent film songs “Hey Nainika” and “Sooreede” showcase his vocal versatility.
The evening reached its emotional peak when Rahman performed “Jai Ho,” the iconic anthem from Slumdog Millionaire. Thousands of fans rose to their feet, dancing and singing in unison, celebrating the global hit that earned Rahman two Academy Awards and became a symbol of cross-cultural musical triumph.
The Wonderment Tour in Toronto was more than a concert—it was a celebration of legacy, innovation, and the timeless power of music to unite hearts across languages and generations
