We’re sure “You’re glowing” after listening to Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh’s latest single – Sapphire, after all, this musical collaboration is something that fans of both artists were not prepared for! The song, which also features a delightful cameo by Bollywood’s very own Shah Rukh Khan, is making global headlines – and for good reason. After all, it’s not every day that you witness a cross-cultural collaboration of this scale and emotion. With his Sapphire music video, fans around the world are in for an India tour that no one saw coming!
If you’re someone who enjoys the soulful voice of Arijit Singh and the emotional storytelling of Ed Sheeran, we’re sure that Sapphire will strike a chord with you. However, beyond the soulful melody, what’s also catching everyone’s eye is the stunning backdrop of the music video. So, the team unstumbled decided to uncover the beautiful locations of the music video!
Sapphire Shooting Locations
The music video follows Ed Sheeran as he explores India – its bustling streets, vibrant markets, and most importantly, its warm people. What stands out, however, is the way the country has been portrayed. It isn’t your usual stereotypical shots we often see in global media. Sapphire showcases the true beauty and feel of India, in all its real, authentic sense. The music video offers a fresh and contemporary perspective to India and its people – a much-needed and deeply immersive experience!
The GRAMMY-award-winning British pop sensation Ed Sheeran has always been vocal about his soft corner for India, expressing his love for the country through many of his media interactions and social media posts. And with Sapphire, this admiration reaches new heights! From the narrow bylanes of Hyderabad’s markets to shots of him enjoying an autorickshaw ride, each shot in the music video feels like a warm, heartfelt love letter to India.
Here’s where the music video was shot:
Kolkata: The City Of Joy
Kolkata makes for a delightful backdrop in the Sapphire music video, with many of its markets, riverfronts, and streets appearing in many of the montages. The old, colonial charm and the slow, drifting life of the city have been perfectly captured in the music video. We’re talking about the Mullick Ghat Flower Market, one of the largest of its kind in Asia, as well as the iconic College Street, famous for its second-hand books. The video also features Ed Sheeran in the Indian Coffee House, the iconic Kolkata cafe that has hosted legends like Amartya Sen and Satyajit Ray. You’ll also get a glimpse of the Hooghly River as the singer enjoys a delightful sunset over a traditional barge.
Must-see Kolkata attractions: Victoria Memorial, Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, Eden Gardens, Belur Math, Howrah Bridge, Prinsep Ghat, Science City
Hyderabad: The City Of Pearls
Ed Sheeran’s music video also features the City of Pearls in its most glorious way. The music video features the artist exploring Hyderabad, not the fast-paced tech city we know of, but the old Hyderabad that once donned bright pearls and expensive perfume. You’ll see glimpses of Sultan Bazaar and the iconic Charminar in the video, as well as the Ramoji Film City. Ed Sheeran can be seen exploring the sets of Baahubali, the S. S. Rajamouli magnum opus that was shot inside Ramoji Film City. Hyderabad is a city steeped in tradition, yet it has modernized enough to become one of India’s most technologically advanced cities. The Nizam-style architecture blends Indian and Islamic heritage with grace and poise as the city proudly wears its identity on its sleeve.
Must-see Hyderabad attractions: Golconda Fort, Salar Jung Museum, Chowmahalla Palace, Birla Mandir, Makkah Masjid, Hussain Sagar Lake, Nehru Zoological Park
Mumbai: The City Of Dreams
Although the music video does not go out of its way to present Mumbai, the spirit of the city can be felt throughout the video. There aren’t cliched shots of the Marine Drive and the Gateway of India, but a mere 2-second glimpse of Bollywood royalty, Shah Rukh Khan (SRK). The mere glimpse of SRK is enough to tie its connection to Mumbai, a city where Bollywood flourishes and gave us the most iconic star of India. SRK’s connection to Mumbai runs deeper than his sea-facing ‘Mannat’ mansion. His journey from an outsider to becoming the ‘King of Bollywood’ mirrors the city’s narrative – one of grit, ambition, and a million dreams. His 2-second appearance in the video becomes a subtle nod to Mumbai’s identity as the City of Dreams.
Must-see Mumbai attractions: The Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Flora Fountain, Girgaon, Juhu, and Versova beaches, Dadar Flower Market, Nehru Planetarium, Mahalaxmi Temple, Siddhivinayak Temple, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Elephanta Island.
Shillong: The Scotland Of The East
Ed Sheeran has visited Shillong quite a few times, most noticeably during his Shillong visit for his 2024 India tour. Ed can be seen exploring the city, riding the Bos Smit, a local bus service in Meghalaya, as well. Not just that, the artist can be seen playing an exciting football match at the SSC Stadium with the young kids. The city has been beautifully captured in the music video, be it the city’s quaint cafes and calm skies or the misty green hills that resonate with the lyrics of the music video. The Scotland of the East serves as the perfect backdrop for the video – a city with an underrated culture and an endearing vibe. If you’re in Shillong, we recommend exploring the following places:
Must-see Shillong attractions: Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, Ward’s Lake, Don Bosco Museum, Phan Nonglait Park, All Saints’ Church, Umiam Lake, Laitlum Canyons
Other Places Featured In The Sapphire Music Video
Golden Beach, Chennai: The iconic beach in Chennai is known for white sand, foaming waters, and amazing sunset views. While you’re at Golden Beach, make sure to enjoy the stunning sunsets and munch on street-side snacks by the beach. Ed Sheeran’s music video features the artist having a fun time on this beach, and honestly, who wouldn’t enjoy spending some time here?
Jiaganj, Arijit Singh’s hometown: While Ed Sheeran is the star of the video, you also get to see (and hear) Arijit Singh. The music video features Ed Sheeran visiting the Indian artist’s hometown in Jiaganj, located in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal. Here, Sheeran also fondly recalls his early days of exploring India with his father, adding a warm, heartfelt, and emotional depth to the music video.
Old Delhi: The music video begins with panoramic shots of Old Delhi, easily recognizable thanks to its open and connected terraces and that unmistakable Delhi vibe. Ed Sheeran captures the beauty of Old Delhi in its most authentic way, making you feel nostalgic of a bygone era. This neighborhood in Delhi National Capital Region is known for its age-old houses, villas, havelis, small forts and monuments, temples, and mosques. Plus, the markets and streets of Old Delhi have a charm of their own that is distinctly unique to this rustic yet bustling neighborhood.
Summing Up
Ed Sheeran’s latest single feels like a warm hug and a love letter from the British artist to India. With its stunning backdrops featuring some of India’s most picturesque locations, we’re sure this song will stay on your playlists for years to come. The artist has released this single just ahead of his 2025 album ‘Play’. With the release of his new album and previously successful shows in India (2015 and 2024), there is no doubt that Ed Sheeran’s fanbase in India is only about to flourish!
