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8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scroll.in
The Himesh Reshammiya comeback is a rebellion against polished, curated celebrity culture
I was five when Himesh Reshammiya dropped his era-defining hits, Aashiq Banaya Aapne and Jhalak Dikhla Ja. So no, I am not part of his original millennial fanbase that was losing their minds at his recent comeback 'Cap Mania Tour'. But nostalgia? It hit me in the stadium like a tidal wave. In July, Reshammiya – the cap-wearing hit machine who ruled our playlists somewhere between 2005 and 2014, with high-pitched hooks, sometimes absurd lyrics and characteristically nasal vocals – packed out his first Delhi show so quickly that another date was added at the same stadium. That sold out too. I was probably in Class 1 when the big rumour hit town: that singing the verse 'ek baar aaja aaja' from Jhalak Dikhla Ja would summon ghosts. I was convinced. Reshammiya tracks haunted every birthday celebration and dinner with my parents' friends. His songs weren't optional, they were the party. But then, sometime around 2014-'15, Reshammiya all but disappeared from the playlist. Perhaps audiences felt they'd had too much of the elements that defined his style. His 'so bad, it's good' appeal had worked in films like Aap Kaa Surroor (2007) and Karzzzz (2008), where he tried his hand at acting. But it carried him only so far. By the time Happy Hardy and Heer, featuring him in a double role, hit the screens in 2020, it barely made a ripple. From my chaotic early memories to this wild 2025 comeback, whatever this revival says about Reshammiya, I am just glad to witness it. Because honestly, it is nothing short of spectacular. Leaning into the memes The Reshammiya revival didn't begin with film studios or entertainment conglomerates. Like everything else in this era of virality, it began in chaotic corners of the internet. Instagram pages like Surroorgasm reintroduced him not as a dated remnant of the early 2000s but as a postmodern puzzle. Was he cringe or did he possess accidental brilliance that we simply hadn't recognised before? With the flood of memes, everyone was suddenly nostalgic about his aesthetic excesses – the nasal vocals, the leather trench coat, the signature snapback cap. Reshammiya managed to carve out a space for a fandom fueled both by irony and guilty nostalgia. Another part of Reshammiya's appeal was the unabashedly raunchy music videos, often featuring Emraan Hashmi, the actor who could seduce a camera lens without even blinking. With music videos such as Aashiq Banaya Aapne, subtlety quietly left the building. What you got was smouldering glances, slow-motion romances and barely-there outfits that raised eyebrows tartly at the time. The thrill of rediscovering a secret pleasure has played a major role in turning Reshammiya into a full-blown cult icon once again. But his comeback is not just about nostalgia wiping away the cringe he was once tagged with. While he's been proudly owning his trademark style for years, it's his fans who have only recently learned to embrace it – fully and unapologetically. Songs that were once dismissed as the soundtrack of autorickshaw drivers and nightclubs with questionable taste are now celebrated as camp, iconic and timeless. Gayetri Mitra, who grew up in Kolkata, recalls that rickshaw drivers would deck out their autos with flashing lights, microphone-shaped charms and own their love for HR as they blasted out his songs at full volume – often while speeding well beyond the limit. 'It was an experience, it was epic,' the 31-year-old accountant asserted. She added that she still knows most of the lyrics by heart because autos were her main mode of transport back then. With Instagram accounts like Himesh Doing Things, the artist's mundane moments were transformed into shareable memes. This reshaped Reshammiya's image from just an artist with a cap and microphone into a cult favorite embraced by a post-ironic fanbase. Gradually, Reshammiya evolved into a kitschy icon, revered almost like a quirky deity among fans and affectionately dubbed 'Lord Himesh'. And that has meant his comeback tour that began on May 31 in Mumbai is not only about nostalgia, but is almost a form of resistance against polished, curated celebrity culture. Reshammiya, for his part, did not try to reinvent the wheel. He stuck to what he knew best. Instead of toning down his nasal voice, he turned it up. In the early years, he batted away the critics by describing his sound as 'high-pitched'. He even claimed that RD Burman had a similar twang. But a few hits in, he leaned into it and proudly admitted: yes, it is nasal, and it sells. He didn't shy away from the very things that were once mocked or whispered about. Take the snapback cap, the same one he admitted on Koffee With Karan in 2007, he wore to hide hair loss, now proudly front and centre. At the Delhi concert, the cap wasn't just a fashion statement – it was a spectacle. A massive, floating, glittering red snapback stamped with HR initials hovered above the stage. And then, out came Himesh. The energy was electric and the entire stadium shimmered with thousands wearing matching red, glittery HR caps that were handed out by the organisers. A month and a half before the Delhi show, a standout moment from the Mumbai leg of his tour came when he asked the crowd, 'Thoda regular gaaun, ya naak se gaaun?' Should I sing in my regular voice or with my nasal twang? Without missing a beat, the audience picked the latter. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Filmfare (@filmfare) To understand why this works and why 'cringe' now feels cool, we have to unpack what cringe really means. On the surface, cringe is secondhand embarrassment. But socially, it often reflects discomfort with sincerity, emotion and expressions that don't follow acceptable – and often elitist – norms. Cringe is rarely just about taste, it's about power. It tells us who is allowed to perform, what aesthetics are respectable and who gets to be taken seriously. Seen through that lens, enjoying Reshammiya's music is its own quiet form of rebellion. In 2025, Reshammiya is back, louder, weirder and more self-aware than ever. By staying unpolished and sincere to what defines him, Reshammiya has given concert-goers something rare: the freedom to enjoy themselves without irony or shame.
Indian Express
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Himesh Reshammiya is having a moment again — and honestly, it's glorious
I wouldn't really call myself a Himesh Reshammiya fan. I don't listen to his music every day or follow his every move. But I do like his songs. Not necessarily for their musical brilliance or the meme-gold they have become over the years, but for the sheer wave of nostalgia they evoke. There was a time when Himesh was everywhere. I was in college then, and every time I'd visit home, a small town where trends hit hard, his voice echoed from every speaker. Auto drivers played him on loop. College fest DJs had his songs on rote. Clubs, however questionable their taste, couldn't get enough of him. And of course, the boys all wore Himesh-style caps — in fact, it was practically a uniform. Whether you thought he was cringe or not, there was no denying that Himesh was the moment back then. So when I saw the Cap Mania Tour announcement, my first reaction was — wait… people really want to go to a Himesh Reshammiya concert still in 2025? I mean, sure, nostalgia is powerful, but is anyone still listening to him these days? The answer was a resounding yes. His Mumbai show sold out. Then came the Delhi date. I was excited, but sceptical still. Would anyone I know actually want to go? To my surprise (and relief), a few friends were equally hyped. I bought the tickets — yes, despite the side-eyes and judgement from people who couldn't believe I was paying real money to watch Himesh Reshammiya live. But you know what? I really wanted to hear Tandoori nights in a stadium packed with fans. And that Delhi show? Sold out, too. In fact, the demand was so overwhelming, he had to add another date. It was clear that people weren't just interested, they were excited. They wanted to see him. The show opened with a bang. Or more accurately, with a floating, glittery red cap with the iconic HR initials. And out came Himesh, in full HR glory. Shades on. Overcoat and cap in place. He hadn't sung a word yet, and the crowd was already losing its mind. All these people cheering for a man who has been memefied to the moon and back? Wild, if you ask me. He kicked things off with his iconic Tera suroor, backed by an army of background dancers and full-on Bollywood drama. What followed was a hit parade of Kehne ko saath apne, Yaad sataye teri, and Tere naam. Songs that, for many, soundtracked college heartbreaks and long-distance crushes. And he leaned into that heartbreak hard. After almost every song, he'd pause and ask the audience to remember that person, the one who broke their heart or ghosted them. He wasn't just singing songs; he was building an emotional arc. Making you feel like your personal sob story had a soundtrack and that soundtrack was Himesh himself. After a string of sad songs, he casually switched it up and said, 'Let's turn this into a club!' And just like that, the vibe flipped. He jumped into Hookah bar and then Tandoori nights, and the energy in the stadium exploded. It was theatrical, over-the-top, and so much fun. What struck me the most was how unapologetically himself he was. He talked about the memes, the cap, the criticism. He even asked the crowd, 'Should I sing from my nose or throat?', a cheeky nod to the jabs at his nasal voice. Back in the day, people tore him apart for it. But here he was, years later, owning it. That's the thing about Himesh. He became a joke for many, but instead of running from it, he embraced it. The cap, the shades, the theatrics — he turned every piece of mockery into branding. Let's be honest — he was never 'classy'; he wasn't the critics' favourite; he wasn't conventionally cool. But he didn't need to be. Himesh carved out his own lane, and put his unapologetic stamp on it. If there's one thing to learn from him, it's this: Embrace the cringe. The mess, the ridicule, the weird stuff. Own it so hard that people forget why they laughed in the first place. Because when I was standing in that stadium, surrounded by 14,000 people singing along, chanting his name, and screaming for more — there was no shame, no cringe. Just joy and nostalgia. Just Himesh. And that's kind of beautiful, isn't it?
News18
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Himesh Reshammiya Salutes Soldiers, Pays Tribute To Operation Sindoor At Delhi Concert
Himesh Reshammiya's Cap Mania Tour is captivating fans. On July 19, he performed in Delhi, paying tribute to soldiers and Operation Sindoor. Himesh Reshammiya has been ruling hearts with his Cap Mania Tour. Yesterday, on July 19, the singer-actor was spotted at the Mumbai airport as he jetted off to Delhi to perform in a concert that was part of his Made in Cap Mania India tour. Is it even possible that our Instagram isn't flooded with reels and visuals after a Himesh Reshammiya concert? Well, hell no. And once again, the videos are here to make us jealous for not being able to attend the electrifying show. Among the many videos going viral on social media, one in particular has caught everyone's attention. During his concert, Himesh Reshammiya gave a heartfelt shout-out to the soldiers and paid tribute to Operation Sindoor. The ace singer urged the audience to always remember and thank those because of whom we are alive and able to enjoy such moments of life. He said, 'Sab hoga magar humein unhe nahi bhoolna chahiye jinki wajah se aaj hum yahan ek dusre ko mil pa rahe hain. Humare desh ke jawano ko salute hai. Jai Hind. Operation Sindoor zindabad." Just a few days ago, Himesh uploaded two snaps from his rehearsals for the Delhi show. Taking to Instagram, he dropped pictures from what seemed to be inside a studio. Wearing a brown jacket and beige cap, the singer looked focused and ready to light up the stage once again with his electric performance. In the caption of the post, he wrote, 'Jai Matadi! Let's rock! #rehearsals #Delhi #concerts" Back in April, Saregama had announced the Cap Mania tour through their social media handles. Sharing details about the show and ticketing process, they wrote, 'Jab Himesh cap pehen kar stage pe aate hain, awaaz nahi, toofan laate hain! Brace yourself for CAPMANIA TOUR – the ultimate suroor-fest." The tour kicked off in Mumbai on May 31, followed by the Delhi show on July 19. After the Delhi stop, Himesh will continue his tour to Chennai, with a concert scheduled on August 16 at the Nehru Indoor Stadium. Speaking of his work front, the 51-year-old was most recently seen in the musical actioner Badass Ravi Kumar. First Published: July 20, 2025, 10:54 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Himesh Reshammiya's Cap Mania Tour Is A Full-Blown Phenomenon And Delhi Is Next
New Delhi: We talk about Coldplay, Blackpink, or even a Bryan Adams concert as life goals - but who would've thought a Himesh Reshammiya concert would spark this kind of frenzy? Yet, that's exactly what's happening. After a sold-out show in Mumbai that left over 11,000 fans screaming "Jhalak Dikhla Ja" at the top of their lungs, Himesh's Delhi concert is now officially sold out too. Yes, Lord Himesh is having a moment - and it's not ironic, it's iconic. His Cap Mania Tour, powered by Saregama, is not just pulling in massive crowds, it's creating an emotional tidal wave of nostalgia, chaos, and joy. Fans turned up in droves - from Gen Zs discovering Himesh for the first time to die-hard millennials reliving their college playlists in real time. And what united them all was this: an artist who showed up raw, real, and ready to entertain. Those who were there can't stop raving. "I've attended concerts from Diljit Dosanjh to Maroon 5, from Arijit Singh to Dua Lipa, and I can honestly say this was the best concert I've ever been to," said 34-year-old Megha Punjabi. "The production quality was on a different level. And Himesh - he was raw, interactive, and a man who can make a joke on himself always steals the show." He didn't just sing - he connected. He cracked jokes with the crowd, told stories between songs, dropped Bollywood gossip, and even asked the audience, "Naak se gaaun?" - a line that had the stadium roaring. With barely a break in his 2.5-hour set, Himesh delivered every song live, backed by a full band and no backing tracks. From Aashiq Banaya Aapne to Ice Cream Khaungi, every number was met with full-throated sing-alongs. The little things made it even better: free merchandise (yes, actual blingy HR caps and raincoats), hilarious zone names like "Suroor Lounge" and "Badass Pit," and an impromptu fan contest that actually handed out cash prizes. 37-year-old Abhishek Dutta, another fan, summed it up perfectly: "The crowd was constantly engaged. There wasn't a single dull moment. This was a surreal experience and a great case study in how a concert should be done. This one's going to live in people's hearts forever." With Delhi already sold out, Himesh Reshammiya's Cap Mania Tour is no longer a surprise hit, it's a pop-culture revolution in real time. And if you missed Mumbai? Well, you're probably already feeling the FOMO.
News18
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
When Himesh Reshammiya Asked Fans ‘Regular Gaaun Ya Naak Se' During Mumbai Concert
Last Updated: The singer has often faced backlash over his unique singing style with some critics labelling it 'nasal'. vHimesh Reshammiya set the stage ablaze with his power-packed performance during his Cap Mania Tour's first concert in Mumbai. The singer captivated the large crowd with his iconic songs that triggered vivid memories in fans, evoking a sense of nostalgia. One of the key highlights of the night was the singer asking his fans 'Regular gaaun yaa naak se" implying his signature and distinctive nasal singing style. A video from the concert has surfaced online showcasing Himesh performing his iconic song Aashiq Banaya Aapne, with the crowd going gaga over his singing. Midway through the performance, he asked the audience, 'Thoda regular gaaun ya naak se gaaun? (Should I sing normally or from my nose?)" Soon after this, the crowd cheered for him to sing nasally. He reconfirmed the audience, saying, 'Are you sure?" before singing into two lines of the song in his signature style. An X user wrote, 'He must be the first singer whose nasal singing is loved. His songs had a meteoric success and it's the nostalgia that is gripping people for wanting the same voice." A user shared, 'Dude, I really want him to do a concert in Bengaluru." A comment reads, 'HR's songs used to be our go-to when we were in the college hostel. Way back 2006-2010." The singer has often faced backlash over his unique singing style with some critics labelling it 'nasal'. Despite the criticism, he continued to produce chart-topping hits like Tera Suroor, Mujhko Yaad Sataaye Teri, Aashiq Banaya Aapne and Jhalak Dikhlaja among others. Earlier, speaking to Pinkvilla, Himesh said that he was the one who began the nasal singing trend in Bollywood. 'Aaj, nasal ki baat bhi nahi kar rahe hain. (No one is talking about nasal singing today). Many people performed nasal singing after me, and many of my songs became hits," he remarked. The Cap Mania Tour's next concert will be held in Delhi on July 19. First Published:
