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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart Keir Starmer on Thursday witnessed a classical rendition of singers Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh’s Sapphire song, which was played at the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai's Jio World Centre.
Prime Minister Modi shared a video of the performance on X and lauded the artists for their effort.
In the minute-long clip, PM Modi and Starmer can be seen enjoying the artists performing on stage. The one-of-its-kind rendition had a major classic touch to it, with instruments like the sitar, tabla, among others.
“Wonderful rendition ofEd Sheeran & Arijit Singh’s Sapphire, which is a great example of India-UK cultural partnership,” the Indian Prime Minister wrote in the caption.
'Sapphire': A hit cross-cultural collab
Sapphire, a rhythmic and heartfelt single, came out a few months ago as part of Ed Sheeran's eighth studio album, Play. Upon its release in June, the track gained significant attention among the fans as it highlighted a cross-cultural theme, blending Western pop with Indian musical influences.
The official music video of the track has garnered more than 195 million views on YouTube.
Across multiple platforms, fans have appreciated the soulful blending of English with Punjabi, highlighting how the single feels both global and rooted.
Keir Starmer's India visit
On Prime Minister Modi's invitation, Starmer is on his maiden official visit to India from October 8 to October 9.
The two leaders attended the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai. Also, they are engaging with industry experts, policymakers and innovators.
Earlier, Starmer visited the Yash Raj Films (YRF) studio in Mumbai and met with influential film producers, such as Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films, Ritesh Sidhwani from Excel Entertainment, and Akshaye Widhani from YRF, news agency PTI reported.
On Instagram, YRF shared a video of Starmer listening to ‘Tujhe Dekha Toh Yeh Jaana Sanam song from the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
YRF stated that its ties with the UK "deepen with a three-movie production pact starting 2026."
“YRF is currently producing the stage adaptation of DDLJ, the English musical Come Fall In Love, to entertain audiences with this beautiful cross-cultural, East meets West love story,” read the post.
Prime Minister Modi shared a video of the performance on X and lauded the artists for their effort.
In the minute-long clip, PM Modi and Starmer can be seen enjoying the artists performing on stage. The one-of-its-kind rendition had a major classic touch to it, with instruments like the sitar, tabla, among others.
“Wonderful rendition ofEd Sheeran & Arijit Singh’s Sapphire, which is a great example of India-UK cultural partnership,” the Indian Prime Minister wrote in the caption.
Wonderful
rendition of Ed Sheeran & Arijit Singh’s Sapphire, which is a great example of India-UK cultural partnership! pic.twitter.com/aLtx5WyiXT
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 9, 2025
'Sapphire': A hit cross-cultural collab
Sapphire, a rhythmic and heartfelt single, came out a few months ago as part of Ed Sheeran's eighth studio album, Play. Upon its release in June, the track gained significant attention among the fans as it highlighted a cross-cultural theme, blending Western pop with Indian musical influences.
The official music video of the track has garnered more than 195 million views on YouTube.
Across multiple platforms, fans have appreciated the soulful blending of English with Punjabi, highlighting how the single feels both global and rooted.
Keir Starmer's India visit
On Prime Minister Modi's invitation, Starmer is on his maiden official visit to India from October 8 to October 9.
The two leaders attended the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai. Also, they are engaging with industry experts, policymakers and innovators.
Earlier, Starmer visited the Yash Raj Films (YRF) studio in Mumbai and met with influential film producers, such as Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films, Ritesh Sidhwani from Excel Entertainment, and Akshaye Widhani from YRF, news agency PTI reported.
On Instagram, YRF shared a video of Starmer listening to ‘Tujhe Dekha Toh Yeh Jaana Sanam song from the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
YRF stated that its ties with the UK "deepen with a three-movie production pact starting 2026."
“YRF is currently producing the stage adaptation of DDLJ, the English musical Come Fall In Love, to entertain audiences with this beautiful cross-cultural, East meets West love story,” read the post.
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