Ed Sheeran Collaborates with Arijit Singh Sings in Punjabi on Vibrant New Track “Sapphire”
Ed Sheeran Goes Desi: A Melodic Fusion
British superstar Ed Sheeran has taken his global appeal a step further. On June 5, 2025, he dropped his new single “Sapphire”, a refreshing blend of Western pop and traditional Indian rhythms. He collaborated with Indian playback legend Arijit Singh, incorporating Punjabi lyrics and Indian percussion, and even performed in Punjabi—a first for Sheeran.
What makes “Sapphire” especially noteworthy is its vivid Indian setting, showcasing beaches, bustling streets, local markets, and even Shri Shah Rukh Khan in a cameo—uniting Western pop, Bollywood, and cultural celebration in a single music video.
Ed Sheeran Collaborates with Arijit Singh: A musical childhood dream
The relationship between Sheeran and Singh goes deeper. Ed revealed that he was utterly spellbound by Arijit’s rendition of “Tum Hi Ho” from Aashiqui 2 and expressed a long-held wish to work together. Their emails blossomed into a genuine friendship, leading Sheeran to travel to Arijit’s hometown in West Bengal—including a memory-filled barge ride, a scooty ride to a studio by sunset, and even Punjabi lessons and sitar jams.
Sheeran described it as a “core memory,” made even more special because his father accompanied him on the trip.
Recording in Goa: Shaping the sound
“Sapphire” was the first track Ed completed for his upcoming album Play, a record he says was born during a week-long recording session in Goa surrounded by Indian musicians.
He noted Arijit’s involvement as the “final jigsaw piece.” Aside from Indian percussion and sitar, the song features Arijit’s silky vocals and even a full Punjabi version set for release soon.
Visuals & Highlights: India on full display
The music video, elegantly directed by Liam Pethick, captures:
- Rooftop performances at sunrise
- Ed cruising in rickshaws through Mumbai and Kolkata
- Beach scenes with enthusiastic locals
- A surprise appearance by Shah Rukh Khan lip-syncing the chorus
- A visit to A.R. Rahman’s music school, where Ed jams with students
- A scooter ride with Arijit Singh around his hometown
The video shot in locales such as Hyderabad, Shillong, and Goa captures the essence of a joyous cross-cultural celebration.
Why “Sapphire” is special
- Language and Culture: Ed singing in Punjabi won hearts, with many calling for him to be granted an Aadhaar card—humorously.
- Bollywood Crossovers: The involvement of Shah Rukh Khan elevates the song to cinematic levels (en.wikipedia.org).
- Global Fusion: The single signifies Ed’s genuine appreciation of Indian artistry—going beyond token collaborations.
What’s next
- Punjabi version of “Sapphire” to be released soon, with more of Arijit’s vocals.
- The song is the third single from Play, set to drop on September 12, 2025.
- Following its release, Ed’s UK tour sold out quickly; he’s reportedly donating a portion of ticket proceeds to support grassroots musicians .
Thoughts
With “Sapphire,” Ed Sheeran beautifully traverses borders—melding pop and Punjabi poetry, British, Bollywood, and Indian classical influences into one seamless track. The collaboration honors Arijit Singh’s artistry while portraying India’s vibrant musical and cultural tapestry.
For fans of world music, this single is more than an experiment—it’s a genuine celebration of unity, friendship, and shared heritage.
