How a Mannat visit led to Ed Sheeran's Bollywood playback debut with SRK's King

One visit to Mannat, one introduction by Shah Rukh Khan and a late-night recording session later, Ed Sheeran had his first Bollywood song. The singer has now shared the rather fun story behind joining King's first track, Tu Mil Jaaye. And Shah Rukh, clearly chuffed with the collaboration, had a sweet message for his friend.Sheeran on Tuesday revealed how the song came about, recalling that Shah Rukh had first suggested they work together when they met. "When I first met Shah Rukh, he said I must make a song to be in his next movie and also be my first Bollywood song. We've got to know each other over the years and I love him," he wrote.The idea finally took shape during Sheeran's last visit to India. He had dropped by Shah Rukh's Mumbai home to ask the actor to make a cameo in the music video for Sapphire, his song with Arijit Singh. Shah Rukh introduced him to composers Sachin-Jigar that day, and Sheeran ended up recording his verse for King that very night."Last time I was in India, I went to his house to get him to shoot a cameo in the Sapphire music video for me and @arijitsingh. He introduced me to @sachinjigar that day and I wrote and recorded my verse for Tu Mil Jaaye for his movie King that night," he shared. Sheeran was just as happy to have Arijit join him on the track. "I love that Arijit is singing on it with me too, all my favourite people on one project. King is out December 24th and Tu Mil Jaaye is out everywhere now," he added.See his post here:Shah Rukh reshared Sheeran's post on his Instagram Story, thanking him for being part of the film. "Can't thank you enough my friend for doing the song. Especially the Hindi bits. Love you," the actor wrote.Here's his post:Shah Rukh and his family had hosted Sheeran at Mannat in March 2024, when the singer was in India. What began as a visit to get a cameo for a music video has now turned into Sheeran's Bollywood playback debut, with his English rap featuring alongside vocals by Arijit and Madhubanti Bagchi.Released on Shah Rukh's birthday, Tu Mil Jaaye also reunites him with Deepika Padukone on screen. The video moves between romance, action and drama, offering glimpses of the different sides of his character. Shah Rukh is seen sharing romantic moments with Deepika, lip-syncing to Sheeran's rap and taking on enemies in action sequences.Composed by Sachin-Jigar, Tu Mil Jaaye features lyrics by Kumaar, while Sheeran has written the English section. Choreographed by Piyush-Shazia, the track blends Indian film music with international pop, while its action-led visuals hint at the darker world of King. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the film also stars Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji and Arshad Warsi, among others. King is set to release in cinemas worldwide on December 24.- Ends