‘I am hoping SRK will be in my music video’

"It's awesome meeting people in India!" is the first thing popular English musician Ed Sheeran said when asked about his recent India tour. The singer-songwriter not only impressed fans at his concert, but was also left quite awestruck at the diversity of India. "From residents of Dharavi (in Mumbai), to actors and fans - I met quite a large group, and they have left me so positively affected for life," said the “Shape Of You” singer. It is true. Edward Christopher Sheeran, the Halifax-born star, ticked quite a few boxes during his +−=÷× Tour (Mathematics).

Taste For Life

Talking about his most vivid interpretation of India and its people, Sheeran says, "It is the love that is so palpable in everything that people in India do. To come to a country that is not my home and yet a place where I am loved the most, is huge! You can really feel it! People are expressive and they have so many ways to express their love for you - whether it is dancing at your show, or gifting you things, or feeding you! Every time I come back here, it feels more and more exciting. I am in love with how vibrant and excited the people are. And since I am like that too, I felt very warmly welcomed. People have a taste for life!" Ask him about his love for Indian food, and the singer impressively lists out his favourites. "My trips are based around food and I did that last time too. My trick is not to order off a menu, but to speak to the chef at any restaurant and ask them to bring me small portions of whatever they want me to try. I tried upma and I think it is going to be a staple back home for me. Paneer butter masala will be the favourite thing I had on my recent trip. (Actor) Ayushmann Khurrana got me a sweet - I think it is called pinni - that was made at home. I was so touched! I think I will have to come back for a longer duration for a holiday that is focused exclusively on Indian food!"

Work & Pleasure

The global star was hosted by the who's who of the Mumbai entertainment industry, from Shah Rukh Khan and Jackky Bhagnani to Kapil Sharma; and Sheeran was only too happy to "party the way only Indians can!" Pictures of him with Bollywood royalty were all over the internet, but what was not so well known was his fondness for some recent content produced by Indian cinema. "I am in love with RRR! I have already seen the movie multiple times. It is fantastic! I also spent a lot of time with Shah Rukh and I am hoping he will be in my music video. I'd love that!" The singer is also game for a chance in Bollywood and says, "I am okay with a cameo too! I did it for Game Of Thrones and I will do it for the beautiful people that make these magical movies in India!" A few days after his show in Mumbai, Sheeran offered his fans a glimpse of his experience in India on social media. The posted clip shows him saying that he "loves India". It features Shah Rukh Khan, Diljit Dosanjh and Shubman Gill, among others. He can also be seen making misal pav, a local snack. Ask him if there are any other plans for working with Indian entertainers and he promptly names singer-rapper King, adding, "I have heard his music and I do have some ideas on stuff that might be good to work together on. We were meant to play in Bengaluru and Delhi this time, but it didn’t work out. So, I think we're going to come back and perform in these two cities. I might as well combine work and pleasure in an extended visit to India, during which I can roam and wander all I want, eat all I want, shop all I want and work with the brilliant and talented people that keep us immensely entertained!"

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Ed in India!

Here are a few of Ed Sheeran's favourite things to do in India…

Favourite food - "I'd strongly recommend the rich curries. Nobody makes curries like Indians do!" (In a roundup video posted on social media by the singer, Sheeran can be seen indulging in large amounts of butter chicken.)

Talking about the immense love and affection Ed Sheeran receives from his fans in India, he says, "To come to a country that is not my home and yet a place where I am loved the most is huge."

Best place to watch Hindi films - "I'd love to watch them in a movie hall in India. Till that happens, the second best place would be on flights!"

Destination wish-list – "Kashmir and Goa."

Indian culture - "Besides music, I want to explore painting. I really want to learn about the folk art forms of India."

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