23 May 2023, Mumbai: Australian singer Guy Sebastian expressed his delight at meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the PM’s three-day visit to Australia. Sebastian, who gained fame as the winner of “Australian Idol” in 2003, shared his admiration for PM Modi and their discussions on various topics, including music. Notably, Sebastian mentioned being shown a viral song called “Naatu Naatu” by the Prime Minister, which he expressed a keen interest in learning. The meeting between the two personalities highlighted the cultural exchange and shared connections between Australia and India.
Guy Sebastian described meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an incredible honour and emphasised the warmth and respect with which the PM engaged in their conversation. The singer praised PM Modi’s kind nature and his attentive listening. Sebastian revealed that their discussion encompassed diverse subjects, including music and his personal connection to India through his mother, who hails from Kanpur.
During their meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a viral song called “Naatu Naatu” with Guy Sebastian. The Australian singer expressed his enthusiasm for the song and mentioned his intention to learn it. This exchange of music exemplified the cultural ties and mutual appreciation between the two nations. Sebastian’s willingness to explore and embrace Indian music further emphasises the power of music in connecting people from different backgrounds.
Guy Sebastian rose to prominence as the winner of the inaugural season of “Australian Idol” in 2003. His debut single, “Angels Brought Me Here,” garnered immense popularity and became one of the highest-selling songs in Australia from 2000 to 2009. Apart from his successful music career, Sebastian served as a judge on Australia’s TV reality show, “The X Factor,” from 2010 to 2012.
Throughout his career, Guy Sebastian has earned acclaim for his music. He received 34 ARIA Award nominations and won seven, including accolades for Best Pop Release and Best Live Act. Sebastian’s talent and versatility allowed him to collaborate with renowned American musicians such as Brian McKnight, Robin Thicke, and John Mayer. These collaborations have further enriched his musical repertoire and expanded his global reach.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia marked the final leg of his three-nation tour. His arrival in Sydney was met with a warm reception from Australian officials, including the Australian High Commissioner to India, Barry O’Farrell. During his visit, PM Modi emphasised the transformative reforms and initiatives undertaken by his government and highlighted India’s credentials as a preferred destination for foreign investments. The Prime Minister also engaged with prominent figures in the fields of science, artificial intelligence, art, and music, underscoring the importance of cultural exchanges in bilateral relations.