Shillong

International pop icon Ed Sheeran said Shillong is his favourite Indian city, months after performing here as part of his global '+ '“ = ÷ x (Mathematics) Tour'.

"Shillong just felt very different," the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter said during a candid segment titled 'Spin the Wheel with Ed Sheeran' hosted by content creator Shabaz Says.

When asked to name his favourite place in India, Sheeran responded without hesitation: "Shillong".

On February 12, Sheeran had performed to a crowd of over 30,000 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here.

"You guys are the loudest," he had told the audience that night, but it now appears that the sentiment was more than a polite compliment.

The British artist's affection for the city did not end with the performance.

Shillong featured prominently in his music video for the chart-topping single 'Sapphire', with 27 scenes filmed in and around the hill station.

In the video, Sheeran is seen sipping local 'sha' (tea), buying fruit from roadside vendors, relaxing on a swing in Mattilang Park, and playing football with local children.

One of the most talked-about sequences shows him riding the iconic 'Bus Smit', a symbol of the city's public transport heritage.

Released earlier this year, the 'Sapphire' video has already garnered over 12 crore views on YouTube.

In the same interview, the singer spoke of India's diversity, noting how every place offered a different language, cuisine, and rhythm.

"Shillong just felt very different," he reiterated.

A football enthusiast, Sheeran even compared the city's energy to that of a high-octane football match between Newcastle United and Plymouth County.

True to form, he also played a casual football match with local kids during his stay over ahead of his February 12 concert.

Shillong, often referred to as the 'Rock Capital of India', is also gaining recognition as an emerging sporting and football hub.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has frequently voiced his ambition to position it as the football capital of India.

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As fans hope for his return, Sheeran's bond with Shillong continues to inspire. For now, the city proudly holds the top spot in his heart -- a rare honour from one of the world's most loved musicians.