British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has once again expressed his deep affection for India — this time, through a permanent tribute inked on his body. Ahead of the release of his upcoming album Sapphire, Sheeran revealed a new tattoo written in Punjabi, further cementing his cultural connection with the country.
In a recent Instagram photo dump, the Grammy-winning artist shared a close-up of the tattoo and captioned it, “Permanent ink so you know the love is real.” The tattoo reads “Neelam” in Punjabi, which translates to “blue diamond” — a symbolic reference to Sapphire, the title of his soon-to-be-released album.
The gesture quickly sparked excitement among fans, with many applauding Sheeran’s embrace of Indian languages and culture. Social media users flooded his post with comments, some even jokingly suggesting he should be granted Indian citizenship for his growing desi connection.
Musical Memories in India
Sheeran’s Instagram post also included highlights from his recent visit to India. The carousel featured a series of images and videos capturing the singer’s exploration of Indian culture and his time spent with renowned Bollywood personalities.
Among the standout moments was a tea session on a barge with celebrated Indian playback singer Arijit Singh. The two musicians were also seen jamming together, in what Sheeran described as a session with “some of the best musicians” he has ever recorded with.
Another fan-favorite clip showed Sheeran enjoying a ride in a local auto-rickshaw through the streets of Telangana. He also shared a photo of himself riding a public bus, immersing himself in the daily life of the country.
The singer’s journey also took him to Hyderabad, where he visited the iconic Baahubali film set, and he made a special mention of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, with whom he spent time during the trip.
Cultural Fusion in Music
Sheeran’s forthcoming album Sapphire is expected to feature a blend of global influences, including lyrics in Hindi and Punjabi — a first for the artist. His growing artistic collaboration with Indian musicians and inclusion of regional languages reflect his deepening appreciation for the country’s rich musical heritage.
With his newest tattoo and musical projects, Ed Sheeran continues to break cultural boundaries, offering fans around the world a glimpse into his evolving global sound — and his heartfelt connection to India.
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