Grammy Award winning Canadian singer Justin Bieber performed to a stadium full of his fans, who were excited, emotional and euphoric as the “Baby” singer took the stage in India for the first time on Wednesday night.

The 23-year-old Prince of Pop is here as part of his Purpose World Tour, organised here by White Fox India, and sponsored by Jio.

Justin Bieber

“Hello India,” Bieber said to the crowd of Beliebers, who waited for hours altogether in scorching heat to watch him perform on a humongous stage enhanced by graphics as well as enlivened with startling fireworks and the rousing response of the audience.

“What a beautiful night for me as I am here in this beautiful country for the first time and you people are fav (favourite),” Bieber said at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Mumbai.

His fans welcomed him by putting their hands in the air, while some female fans were seen overcome by emotions as he sang his famous songs “Cold water”, “Love yourself”, “I will show you how”.

Celebrities at the show

The crowd at the show, which saw “Harry Potter” actress Elarica Johnson as host, had Bollywood presence with celebrities like Alia Bhatt, Ayan Mukerji, Annu Malik, Remo D’Souza, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arjun Rampal, Sridevi, Malaika Arora, Arbaaz Khan and Raveena Tandon — some of whom brought along their children.

In the run up to the headlining act, DJ Sartek and DJ Zaeden set the ball rolling, paving the stage for Norwegian DJ Alan Walker, who has a huge fan following of his own.

When Bieber finally hit the stage wearing a pair of shorts and a T-shirt with his team of dancers, the excitement in the crowd was at its peak.

There were fans dressed in black T-shirts with ‘BELIEBER’ written across them, and those flaunting tees with his photographs and even others with hoardings that read “We love you Bieber” and “Meri jaan” at the venue.

Bieber fans

The crowd predominantly saw youngsters, but it was interesting to note how people had come from various parts of the country and in groups to witness the concert, one of the biggest in India in recent times.

However, media persons invited to cover the live show experienced difficulties in entering the venue. Even Bipasha Basu, who came with actor-husband Karan Singh Grover, didn’t seem to have a great time.

“All dressed up for nothing. Ha ha ha,” she posted on Instagram with one image of herself ready for the concert.

She then posted another image with Karan, and wrote: “So what we could not enjoy at the concert… Still it’s always fun with you my love. Thank you.”

The security was beefed up for the concert and for the artiste. Around 500 policemen were deployed, while Bieber had Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s personal bodyguard Shera on duty.

Bieber landed here on a chartered flight early on Wednesday. During the day, a string of videos available on social media gave a glimpse into how Bieber got a taste of his fandom on the streets while he was roaming around in a car.

He met a group of underprivileged children on a bus and shook hands with them, as well as stopped over at a Starbucks outlet ahead of his much-hyped performance.

Bieber’s India plan includes a visit to New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. His entourage apart, he has been accompanied by his mother Patricia.

IANS

Grammy Award winning Canadian singing sensation Justin Bieber arrived in Mumbai early on Wednesday amidst tight security for his maiden concert in India, looking relaxed and geared up to regale Indian ‘Beliebers’ as part of his Purpose World Tour.

Fans had been waiting with bated breath for his arrival at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Bieber came out escorted in a thick security blanket, led by Salman Khan’s bodyguard Shera at 2 a.m.

He came in a chartered flight along with his crew sporting a pink pullover and black shorts. He was rushed out of the airport, and was quickly whisked off to St Regis Hotel in south Mumbai amidst Z-plus security.

The several hundreds of mediapersons and fans, who had parked themselves at various points outside the Mumbai Airport for a glimpse of Bieber, were largely disappointed.

It was earlier speculated that Bieber would land in India on May 8. Later the singer himself piqued the curiosity with a tweet.

“Dubai is incredible… India you are next. @Amit_Bhatia99 u ready? Purpose Tour Stadiums,” Bieber wrote on early Tuesday.

Bieber came to the fore around 2008, promoted by Usher. “Baby” became his claim to fame in 2010 and he garnered a huge fan, which continued to grow with songs like “Where are u now”, “Boyfriend”, “Love yourself” and “As long as you love me”.

After rocking the stage in Dubai on May 6, the singer is set to perform in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday.

Bieber is likely to fly in a private helicopter to the D.Y. Patil Stadium for his concert, which will first see Indian DJs on stage followed by Norwegian DJ Alan Walker.

The concert venue, reported to be fully sold out with over 45,000 seats, will open at 3 p.m. and Bieber is expected to give his performance at 8 p.m., according to the tour organisers, White Fox India.

Navi Mumbai Police has deployed massive security, including surveillance by drones for the event. Around 500 police personnel and 25 officers would be deployed for security and emergency disaster management at the venue.

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The tour is to promote his fourth album, the critically-acclaimed “Purpose”, in which he has experimented with more adventurous electronic sounds. Tickets are priced upwards of Rs 5,000, and fans have come from different parts of the country to be a part of the gig.

He will be served rich authentic cuisine representing the 29 Indian states. A convoy of 10 luxury sedans and two Volvo buses will be at the disposal of the artiste and his entourage of 120 throughout their stay.

To top it, a Rolls Royce has been reserved for Bieber. Even the suite of the five-star hotel where Bieber will stay has been modified to include truly Indian elements.

A string of designers have created customised souveneirs for the star, who will be accompanied to India by his mother. Together, they will explore Delhi, Agra and Jaipur after the much-awaited gig.

IANS