Irfan left the students swooning and swaying as he presented a medley of old and new Bollywood songs such as Chhu Kar Mere Manko (Yaarana, 1981), Pehla Nasha (Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, 1992), Tum Se Hi (Jab We Met, 2007), and Phir Mohabbat (Murder 2, 2011). The 39-year-old told us exclusively after his performance, “The set was over and I was leaving, but the audience called me back onstage. I couldn’t resist and simply couldn’t leave… I’m not going to lie, I was expecting to have a wonderful crowd. But I’m overwhelmed by the kind of response I got! This has been the best crowd I have ever performed for. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

The highlight of his performance was a touching tribute to the late singer KK. For this, he sung numbers such as Yaaron (Rockford, 1999), O Meri Jaan (Life in a… Metro, 2007), and Zara Sa (Jannat, 2008). This raised the emotional quotient among the young audience. Arshpreet Kaur, a final-year student, shared, “I got really emotional during his tribute to KK. His voice is so mellifluous and magical. He made all the fest prep fatigue go away with his voice.”

Arushi Chauhan, another final-year student, said, “I’m a great fan of him… It was an amazing experience so witness his high energy. Plus he was so polite and obliged when some of us asked him for selfies. I requested him, and got a picture too!”

Recalling the electrifying experience she witnessed, Ayisha Hima, another final-year student, shared, “My fav part of the concert was when Irfan sang the cover of Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (2007). I was dancing and cheering so loud that I lost my voice and can barely whisper now! But it was totally worth it!” And, Shashwita, a final-year student, gushed: “He’s got such a beautiful voice. To see that he presented so many genres of songs just made our day.”