It’s the third time Ed Sheeran is visiting India, for his culminating concert of +–=÷× (The Mathematics Tour) Asia tour on March 16 in Mumbai, and he still feels excited! The singer-songwriter reveals, “Every time I come back here, it feels more exciting. It wasn’t until 2015, when I came here for the first time, that I realised people really like my music here. Now, it’s clear that India is my biggest market.” 

When asked if he follows Bollywood, the 33-year-old tells us, “The first time I came here, I met quite a lot of people from Bollywood. Since I’ve come here, I’ve tried to keep up with it. I’ve watched Street Dancer 3D (2020). Usually, I watch Bollywood films when I am travelling on a plane.” 

Of course, most of the singer’s Indian fans are interested in knowing if he would be composing a Hindi film song. To this Sheeran says, “I would love to compose a Bollywood song. I’m meeting people this week to discuss that. Your culture is so vibrant and fun. So, I’d love to be involved.” 

While Sheeran had planned to perform in other Indian cities along with Mumbai, it couldn’t work out this time. “I think we’ll come back and do Delhi and Bengaluru next time,” shares the Perfect hitmaker, who is in the bay for a week ahead of his performance at the Mahalaxmi Race Course ground on Saturday. He’s been making the most of his visit by going a local school, where he jammed to Shape of You with the kids. 

On Tuesday night, he went to a Mumbai-based club with singer Armaan Malik. A viral video showed the two grooving to the latter’s Telugu hit Butta Bomma (Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, 2020). 

For any international musician visiting India, exploring street food is a must. Sharing the same feelings, Sheeran says, “That is the one thing that I’m going to do this week. I’ve got a few friends who are Indian chefs. They are going to tell me where to go.”