Ed Sheeran sings Devara’s ‘Chuttamalle’ with Shilpa Rao at Bengaluru concert as fans call him an Indian citizen

International pop sensation Ed Sheeran surprised his Indian fans in the best way possible when he took the stage in Bengaluru and sang the song ‘Chuttamalle’ from the upcoming film Devara, alongside Bollywood playback singer Shilpa Rao. The unexpected yet electrifying collaboration had the audience roaring in excitement, with many jokingly dubbing Sheeran an "Indian citizen" for his effortless embrace of Indian music.

This heartwarming musical moment not only showed Sheeran’s deep love for India but also highlighted the growing influence of Indian cinema and music on the global stage. But how did this collaboration come about? And why did it create such a massive buzz among fans? Let’s dive in.

Ed Sheeran’s Special Bond with India

Ed Sheeran’s connection with India is not new. The British singer-songwriter has always expressed his admiration for Indian music and culture. From his visits to Mumbai and performances alongside Bollywood celebrities to his close friendship with artists like Armaan Malik, Sheeran has continuously shown that his love for India is genuine.

His recent concert in Bengaluru, part of his ‘Mathematics’ Tour, was already highly anticipated. However, what made it even more special was his spontaneous decision to perform a regional Indian song – something few international artists have attempted in their live shows.

‘Chuttamalle’ – A Song That Made the Moment Magical

‘Chuttamalle’ is a song from Devara, an upcoming Telugu action-drama starring Jr NTR. The film has been generating immense buzz, especially after the global success of RRR, in which Jr NTR played a leading role. The song, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, features vocals by Shilpa Rao, whose soulful voice has captivated Indian audiences for years.

When Ed Sheeran invited Shilpa Rao on stage, fans expected a Bollywood hit or perhaps an English-Indian fusion track. But instead, they were treated to a powerful rendition of ‘Chuttamalle’, with Sheeran himself joining in. His effort to pronounce the Telugu lyrics and match the song’s rhythm made the moment unforgettable.

How Did This Collaboration Happen?

While fans were caught off guard by this special duet, it turns out that the performance was not entirely spontaneous. According to sources, Shilpa Rao and Ed Sheeran had met earlier in Mumbai, where they shared their mutual admiration for each other’s music. Sheeran, known for his openness to new musical styles, expressed interest in performing an Indian song, and ‘Chuttamalle’ was chosen because of its emotional depth and popularity.

Before the Bengaluru concert, Sheeran reportedly practiced the song’s lyrics with the help of Rao and her team. While his pronunciation wasn’t perfect (understandably so), the effort he put in was genuinely appreciated by fans, who cheered and sang along throughout the performance.

Why Is This Performance So Significant?

While international artists often collaborate with Indian musicians, performing an Indian song live in India is a rare occurrence. Here’s why this moment was so impactful:

Global Recognition for Indian Music

Indian cinema and music have been gaining global attention, especially after RRR’s ‘Naatu Naatu’ won an Oscar. Seeing a Western artist of Sheeran’s caliber sing a song from a Telugu film reinforces the growing international appreciation for regional Indian music.

Representation Beyond Bollywood

Most international collaborations with Indian artists have been limited to Bollywood. However, Sheeran’s choice of a Telugu song from a South Indian film shows that regional Indian music is also making waves globally.

Cross-Cultural Exchange

Music is a universal language, and Sheeran’s performance proved just that. It showcased how different musical traditions can merge beautifully, creating magical moments that transcend borders.

Encouraging More International Collaborations

With Sheeran’s gesture being so well received, other global artists might feel encouraged to explore Indian regional music in their performances and collaborations. This could pave the way for more cross-cultural musical exchanges.

Ed Sheeran’s Love for Surprising His Fans

Ed Sheeran is known for surprising his audiences. Whether it’s making unannounced guest appearances, singing in different languages, or performing alongside unexpected artists, Sheeran has built a reputation for making his concerts unforgettable.

In 2017, he danced with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and jammed with Armaan Malik during his India visit. His latest move – singing a Telugu song – only adds to the list of reasons why his Indian fans adore him.

What’s Next for Ed Sheeran in India?

After this epic performance, many fans are now eagerly waiting to see what Sheeran does next in India. Will he collaborate with more Indian artists? Will he record a full-length Hindi or Telugu song? Perhaps even work on a Bollywood soundtrack?

Though nothing has been confirmed, one thing is certain – India loves Ed Sheeran, and Ed Sheeran loves India right back.

With Sheeran’s growing connection to the Indian music industry, we might just see more surprises from him in the near future.

Conclusion

Ed Sheeran’s Bengaluru concert will go down in history as one of the most special moments for Indian music fans. His rendition of ‘Chuttamalle’ with Shilpa Rao was more than just a performance – it was a celebration of cultural exchange, musical unity, and the power of music to bring people together.

As fans continue to shower Sheeran with love (and honorary Indian citizenship status!), it’s clear that this moment will be cherished for years to come.