Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Nitin Gadkari sing at 'Khasdar Krida Mahotsav' closing ceremony
Nagpur, June 7
A memorable and light-hearted moment marked the closing ceremony of the 'Khasdar Krida Mahotsav' on Sunday, when renowned singer and Indian Idol fame Shanmukha Priya stepped off the stage and approached Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who were seated among the audience, during her live concert.
Requesting the two leaders to sing, Shanmukha Priya handed them the microphone.
Responding to her appeal, Chief Minister Fadnavis sang a few lines from the evergreen Bollywood hit "Gulabi Aankhen Jo Teri Dekhi' and 'Sharabi Ye Dil Ho Gaya' while remaining seated in the audience.
Gadkari followed with lines from the classic song 'Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli'.
The spontaneous musical exchange drew loud cheers and applause from the packed auditorium, with both leaders singing from their seats rather than coming on stage.
The unique interaction became one of the standout moments of the grand finale of the week-long Khasdar Krida Mahotsav in Nagpur.
Pictures from the event were also shared on the official social media handle of Maharashtra CMO. "CM Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari at the closing ceremony of 'Khasdar Krida Mahotsav 2026'. Union MoS Raksha Khadse, Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, MLC Sanjay Bhende, MLA Krishna Khopde, MLA Pravin Datke, Nagpur Mayor Neeta Thakre and other dignitaries were present," the caption read.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also shared an update from the closing ceremony of 'Khasdar Krida Mahotsav'.
"The Khasdar Krida Mahotsav has given Nagpur a new identity in the realm of sports. This eighth edition of the festival will be remembered for its magnificent journey. The event is serving as a catalyst to steer the sports culture in a new direction, not just in Nagpur but across the entire state of Maharashtra," the part of his X post read.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Sweet! It's nice to see politicians drop the serious face and have some fun. But I hope this same energy translates into better sports infrastructure and grassroots development in Maharashtra. The Krida Mahotsav looks promising though!
Made my day! Gadkari ji's "Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli" was a classic pick. Aise moments remind us that behind the suits and politics, they're just like us. And what a crowd in Nagpur—pure energy!
Wish they would come on stage properly for a duet! But I guess 'from the seats' is the new trend. 🔥 Seriously though, these leaders are connecting with people in fresh ways. Sports + music = complete entertainment.
Such a wholesome moment! The video on MyGov is going viral on our group chats. Gadkari ji is doing fantastic work in Nagpur and this festival is a nice community booster. More of this, please! 🌟
Haha! This is brilliant. Though I wonder: kya yeh public relations ka naya tareeka hai? Nothing wrong with it—makes them approachable. But I just hope they care as much for sports funding as they do for a quick song.
V Vikram M