Ed Sheeran’s Sitar Debut: A Fusion of Cultures During India Tour

Introduction

February 9, 2025: British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, currently on his Mathematics tour in India, has been immersing himself in the country’s rich musical heritage. In a recent Instagram post, Sheeran shared a video of his first attempt at playing the sitar, guided by acclaimed sitarist Megha Rawoot.

Ed Sheeran’s Sitar Session

In the video, Sheeran is seen sitting cross-legged, attentively learning the nuances of the sitar from Rawoot. Together, they performed a rendition of his 2017 hit “Shape of You,” blending Western pop with traditional Indian sounds. Sheeran captioned the post, “Played Sitar today for the first time, had a great teacher @megharawoot.”

Fans’ Enthusiastic Reactions

The post garnered widespread acclaim from fans and fellow musicians alike. Singer Harshdeep Kaur commented, “Wow!! Music blurring borders.” Fans affectionately dubbed him “Pandit Ed Sheerankar” and “Ed Sitar-an,” praising his willingness to embrace and explore Indian culture.

Megha Rawoot’s Perspective

Megha Rawoot also shared the experience on her Instagram, expressing her excitement: “Phewwww…It was a fun day and a fun Jam!! Thanks Ed Sheeran for bringing me onboard! You are a natural…Thank you Abhishek for making this happen.”

Collaborations with AR Rahman

Sheeran’s cultural exploration didn’t stop there. In Chennai, he performed alongside Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman. The duo delivered a fusion of “Shape of You” and Rahman’s classic “Urvasi,” creating a memorable experience for the audience. Sheeran expressed his gratitude by captioning the moment, “What an honor.”

Conclusion

Ed Sheeran’s engagement with Indian music during his tour highlights the universal language of music and its power to bridge cultures. His willingness to learn and collaborate with local artists has endeared him further to fans worldwide, showcasing the beauty of cultural exchange.

For a visual glimpse into this unique musical fusion, watch the video below: