ISLAMABAD (ANN/THE DAWN) – In a surprising and unanticipated moment during a performance in Mumbai, Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin addressed India’s colonial past, thanking concertgoers for “forgiving” Britain for its historical wrongs.
“It’s amazing to us that you welcome us even though we are from Great Britain. Thank you for forgiving us for all of the bad things Great Britain has done,” Martin said, addressing the audience.
The British Raj, which lasted from 1858 to 1947, marked a period of colonial rule in the Indian subcontinent under the British monarch. Nearly 78 years later, an indirect apology from a pop icon was something few expected to hear at a Coldplay concert.
Coldplay shows are often celebrated for their vibrant energy and heartfelt moments, and this leg of the band’s tour has been no exception. Recently, in the UAE, Martin called a Pakistani woman on stage before performing Everglow, dedicating the song to the people of Pakistan, Gaza, the West Bank, and Iran. While that gesture was widely praised, the Mumbai moment struck a different chord.
Social media erupted with reactions to Martin’s statement, with many interpreting it as an attempt at addressing historical injustices. Some labeled it an example of “white guilt,” while others found humor in the moment.
Among the most common responses were demands for the return of the Koh-i-Noor diamond, one of the largest cut diamonds in the world, originally from the Indian subcontinent and now part of the British Crown Jewels.
“Thanks for the apology, but when do we get the Koh-i-Noor back?” quipped one social media user. Others took the opportunity to demand the return of “all the stolen items” taken during colonial rule.
Some fans speculated that Martin was attempting to “heal generational trauma,” though others found this idea far-fetched. “Breakup trauma with his music, maybe, but healing intergenerational trauma with an apology? Unlikely,” said one netizen.
Another commenter humorously questioned Martin’s premise, asking, “When did we forgive you?”
The most creative take came from a fan suggesting reparations in the form of free concerts: “Chris, if you’re feeling this guilty, how about a free show? And remember, Pakistan was part of the British-ruled subcontinent too. Coldplay in Karachi, when?”
