Ed Sheeran, the British pop phenomenon, will return to India in 2025 for his record-breaking "+ - = x Tour," which will cover six cities. This marks Sheeran's most ambitious Indian tour yet, combining his passion for music with his enthusiasm for exploring the country's rich food, culture, and sports.
Ed Sheeran's excitement for his upcoming tour isn't just about performing in packed stadiums; it's also about discovering India like never before. Sheeran took to Instagram and shared a post: "India! Coming back for my biggest tour ever there next week... Let me know some recommendations in the comments on food/restaurants to try in the cities I’m going to, and musicians I should cheque out. Oh, and the sports games I should go to. Can’t wait to be back in one of my favourite places on earth."
With his love for India evident, Sheeran is transforming his six-city tour into an immersive cultural experience, engaging fans not only through music but also by exploring the country's culinary and cultural riches.
Ed Sheeran's Instagram post suggests that, in addition to performing, he is keen to delve deeper into Indian culture. The pop sensation is asking fans to recommend local restaurants, bands, and sports events to catch in each city, making the tour as much about discovery as it is about music.
Sheeran experienced Indian hospitality during his 2019 tour stop in Mumbai, and with his tour now expanded to include more cities, fans are eager to share their cultural favourites with the Grammy-winning artist.
Pre-sale tickets for selected cardholders went live on BookMyShow on December 9, with regular ticket sales starting on December 11. Given the high demand for Sheeran's concerts, fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early to secure their seats for what is expected to be one of the most anticipated musical tours of 2025.
Ed Sheeran: A musical journey that captures hearts worldwideGetty Images
Ed Sheeran's return to India is much more than simply his "+ - = x Tour"; it's about interacting with fans, discovering the country's rich cultural tapestry, and creating a ton of memories. With six shows throughout the country and Sheeran's real enthusiasm for engaging with Indian culture, this tour is shaping up to be a celebration of more than just music.
Tour Dates and Venues
Pune: January 30 at Yash Lawns
Hyderabad: February 2 at Ramoji Film City
Chennai: February 5 at YMCA Ground
Bengaluru: February 8 at NICE Grounds
Shillong: February 12 at JN Stadium
Delhi NCR: February 15 at Leisure Valley Ground
Whether you're a fan of his chart-topping singles or just want to participate in a cultural immersion, Ed Sheeran's 2025 India tour guarantees to be a lifelong memory.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.