Shankar Mahadevan pays tribute to Operation Sindoor at IPL 2025 finale, watch here

Shankar Mahadevan performing at IPL 2025 finale

At Tuesday night's Indian Premier League 2025 grand closing ceremony, Shankar Mahadevan dominated the stage with a strong and moving performance at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium.

Alongside his sons Siddharth and Shivam Mahadevan, the celebrated singer and composer gave a heartfelt homage to the Indian Armed Forces and their recent triumph in Operation Sindoor, a strategic counterterrorism operation that was conducted earlier this year.

Lakshya, Ae Watan Mere Watan, Kandhon Se Milte Kadam, Yeh Desh Hai Veer Jawano Ka, Lehra Do, Sabse Aage Honge Hindustani, and the well-known Maa Tujhe Salaam were among the patriotic anthems that the musical trio performed in a moving medley. The audience erupted in applause as their performance touched a deep chord with them, fostering a moment of pride and remembrance for the country.

SHANKAR MAHADEVAN at Narendra Modi Stadium A soul-stirring tribute to the Indian Armed Forces Music meets patriotism on crickets biggest stage! #RCBvPBKS | #IndianArmy | #ShankarMahadevan | #NarendraModiStadiumpic.twitter.com/wLZ5nzaJx9

Uday Kumar Roy (@udaykumarroy) June 3, 2025

Before his performance, Mahadevan had taken to Instagram to share his excitement, writing, “Honoured to perform for the armed forces tonight at the @iplt20 finals in Ahmedabad!! Along with @siddharth.mahadevan @shivammahadevan , @prakriti_giri and @shrinidhighatate!! We will offer our gratitude and Salutations through music to the armed forces. My fellow Indians… join us in sending them some love and respect!! Jai Hind .. and of course May the best team win!”

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A post shared by SHIVAM MAHADEVAN (@shivammahadevan)

The IPL 2025 final itself was already a grand spectacle, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) facing off against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a high-stakes battle for their first-ever IPL title. But Mahadevan’s tribute ensured the evening began on a powerful note of respect and patriotism.

Operation Sindoor, referenced in the tribute, took place on May 7 this year.

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Following the announcement, an outpouring of support came from Bollywood. Celebrities including Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Preity Zinta, Ajay Devgn, Kajol, Akshay Kumar, Sidharth Malhotra, Suniel Shetty, and Raveena Tandon publicly applauded the success of the mission, standing in solidarity with the armed forces.