There’s a white man in Tbilisi, Georgia who sings iconic Hindi songs from Bollywood. But what surprised this Indian traveller was the soulful rendition of Raj Kapoor’s globally-famous song, “Mera Joota Hai Japani”. The video is attracting attention on social media for all the right reasons and it clearly means that the most memorable moments of a holiday happen far away from the places listed in guidebooks. These can happen on a busy street or with a stranger who knows exactly how to make you feel at home! And this video is just the proof.The videoFor one Indian traveller in Tbilisi, the moment happened unexpectedly on the way to the Mother of Georgia monument. The video shows an interesting Georgian street musician picking up his accordion and singing one of Bollywood’s most recognisable songs, “Mera Joota Hai Japani.” The heartwarming encounter has been shared on Instagram by Indian content creator Priyanka Thilakan. She described how the musician would ask passers-by where they were from before performing a song associated with their country. There are many Indian travellers who shared his video before also.When he asked her the same question she replied, “India”.His response instantly came with the classic Raj Kapoor song.In her Instagram post, she writes,“In an instant, he became Raj Kapoor—singing with the same charm and warmth”.
With the artist (Instagram)
In the video, she can be seen dancing lightly next to the artist. The simple interaction has left people amused.A Tbilisi-experience suddenly turned BollywoodIt’s a famous song from Raj Kapoor’s 1955 film Shree 420. It is far more than an old Bollywood number and is sung by playback iconic singer Mukesh. “Mera Joota Hai Japani” is closely associated with Raj Kapoor’s screen persona and its memorable message of Indian identity.The most fascinating part of the entire episode was the talent of the musician. The multi-talented musician can sing in other languages as well. There was no stage, orchestra or planned performance. Just a simple street musician, an accordion and a traveller who happened to say she was from India.A performer who knows how to make travellers smileAs per Priyanka’s account, the musician had a charming routine. He would ask people where they were from and then attempt a song from their country. It is an unusually simple idea, but one that turns a public space into a meeting point for cultures.Tbilisi is known for its old-world architecture, cobbled streets, balconies, churches, fortresses and dramatic views over the Mtkvari River. The Mother of Georgia is a must-visit landmark in Tbilisi. The towering aluminium statue overlooking the city is one of the capital’s most recognisable sights and a popular stop for travellers exploring the Narikala area.
Georgian Raj Kapoor (Instagram)
But for the traveller, this memory would stay forever. “Sometimes it’s not the monuments that stay with you, but the people who make you feel at home,” she wrote.“Such a simple moment, yet one of the most heartwarming memories from Tbilisi. Sometimes it’s not the monuments that stay with you, but the people who make you feel at home.”That may be the most travel-worthy takeaway from the viral moment.