Global pop icon Ed Sheeran has revealed how a casual visit to Shah Rukh Khan’s Mumbai residence, Mannat, led to his official playback debut in Hindi cinema. The British singer features alongside Indian playback star Arijit Singh in “Tu Mil Jaaye”, the first single from Khan’s upcoming action-thriller King.
Sharing a behind-the-scenes recording session on Instagram on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Sheeran recalled how his long-standing friendship with the Bollywood superstar culminated in the track.
“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,” Sheeran shared. “We’ve got to know each other over the years and I love him.”
From ‘Sapphire’ Cameo to ‘Tu Mil Jaaye’ Session
The collaboration materialized during Sheeran’s recent trip to India. While visiting Mannat to film a cameo for “Sapphire”—his 2025 single with Arijit Singh—Khan introduced the popstar to music composer duo Sachin-Jigar.
Sheeran wrote and recorded his English rap and Hindi vocal segments for “Tu Mil Jaaye” that very evening at Mannat.
The track reunites Sheeran with Arijit Singh following their previous work on “Sapphire”. Sheeran noted: “I love that Arijit is singing on it with me too, all my favourite people on one project.”
Replying via Instagram Stories, Shah Rukh Khan expressed gratitude to the singer: “Can’t thank u enough my friend for doing the song, especially the Hindi bits. Love u @teddyphotos.”
Record-Breaking YouTube Numbers
Unveiled on November 2 to coincide with Shah Rukh Khan’s 61st birthday, “Tu Mil Jaaye” registered immediate viewership milestones:
The track amassed 36.3 million views and over 430,000 likes on YouTube within 24 hours of release, reaching over 60 million views across all digital platforms combined.
The launch broke the record previously held by Jawan’s “Zinda Banda” (34.6 million views) to become the most-watched Indian film song in a 24-hour period on YouTube.
About the Film
Directed by Siddharth Anand and produced by Red Chillies Entertainment alongside Marflix Pictures, King stars Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Jackie Shroff, Arshad Warsi, and Raghav Juyal. The action entertainer—which also features extended appearances by Deepika Padukone, Rani Mukerji, and Kareena Kapoor Khan—is scheduled for a theatrical release on December 24, 2026.
