A. R. Rahman recently revealed what many fans only speculated about: MS Dhoni is a devoted listener of the composer’s Tamil hit “Munbe Vaa”, and not just because former India and Chennai Super Kings all‑rounder Suresh Raina has long called it his favourite. In a candid clip from the CSK pre‑IPL bash, Rahman disclosed that the former India captain personally told him that the romantic melody from the 2006 film Sillunu Oru Kadhal ranks among his most cherished songs.
A stadium turned concert stage
The moment unfolded at the ROAR 2026 event held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, where Chennai Super Kings hosted their loyal fanbase ahead of the 19th edition of the IPL. Rahman described it as his first time performing in such a vast stadium setting, calling the atmosphere electric and saying he was grateful to CSK for bridging music and cricket so vividly. “I think it was an incredible night performing at Chepauk. I never performed in this big stadium. And thanks to CSK and for the opportunity with the fans of CSK,” he said, underscoring the novelty of playing for a crowd that marries passion for the team with love for his music.
Songs dedicated to Dhoni and CSK
During the set, Rahman dedicated several numbers to MS Dhoni, the club’s legendary captain, as well as to other players, turning the evening into a tribute that resonated with both music lovers and cricket aficionados. “Dedicating several songs to Dhoni Saab, the captain and other cricket players. And it felt totally different from my other concerts because these are fans which are new for me and they are some of my people who love my music too. So, it was incredible. Thank you so much and wishing you the very best,” he remarked, highlighting the special connect between the stage and the stands.
Thala meets Thala: Rahman and Dhoni
The collaboration drew a popular label on social media—“Thala meets Thala”—comparing Rahman’s “Thala” status in music with Dhoni’s iconic captaincy tag. Sharing the video of the meet‑up, Rahman recalled that their usual interactions are brief, often squeezed in between airport stops or other engagements. This time, however, they managed to spend a few relaxed minutes together. “I think I’ve never spoke this much with MS because usually it’s a high and by because we are, you know, in the airport or somewhere. So, it was nice to spend a few minutes with him. And he knows my son, my son knows him. Very kind and it was fun,” Rahman said, adding a personal, almost familial warmth to the encounter.
Why ‘Munbe Vaa’ struck a chord
“Munbe Vaa” has long been a cult favourite among South Indian audiences, its soaring vocals and gentle orchestration making it a fixture at weddings, reels, and late‑night playlists. Rahman’s revelation that Dhoni counts it among his favourites adds a sporting layer to its legacy, blending cricket’s emotional resonance with the quiet intensity of the song’s lyrics about love and separation.
-Samuthiran
