"I had the best time in India."
When international musicians visit India, the music scene of the nation shines with an unmatched gleam.
These visits become even more noteworthy when the artists do not come for the sole purpose of performing a concert or tour.
Over several decades, foreign singers have graced India with their presence, sending citizens and fans into a wave of excitement.
These visits are etched in Indian history.
DESIblitz presents five such Indian visits from international stars that don’t just involve performing.
The Beatles
The Beatles are regarded as one of the most popular bands in history.
The group comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison.
Their influence on music is a flame that still burns brightly, inspiring many artists and fans.
In the 1960s, ‘Beatle-mania’ shook the UK. However, their popularity transcended England’s borders.
In February 1968, at the height of their popularity, The Beatles travelled to Rishikesh to participate in a meditation course.
The Beatles were facilitated by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who gave private lessons to individual members of the band.
On February 25, the Maharishi celebrated Harrison’s 25th birthday.
The festivities included Harrison playing a sitar, fully embracing Indian culture.
Several songs were also written by the Beatles during their time in Hrishikesh.
John Lennon’s first wife, Cynthia Lennon, spoke about her ex-husband and Harrison’s experience:
“John and George were in their element.
“They threw themselves totally into the Maharishi’s teachings, were relaxed and above all had found peace of mind that had been denied them for so long.”
The legacy of the visit led to the ashram becoming known as Beatles Ashram.
When it comes to Indian visits by international musicians, the time of The Beatles in Rishikesh is special and unique.
Michael Jackson
Revered as the ‘King of Pop’, Michael Jackson’s legacy continues to loom large over musical horizons.
With several top-selling albums including Thriller and Bad, Jackson remains one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century.
He was popular in every part of the world, which of course included India.
Jackson visited Mumbai in 1996. The actress Sonali Bendre welcomed him.
Dressed in a beautiful saree, Sonali honoured Jackson with traditional Indian customs.
Raj Thackeray also joined Sonali in welcoming the singer.
During this visit, Anupam Kher had the opportunity to spend time with Jackson.
Anupam remembers: “I was over the moon at the mere thought of meeting one of the greatest performers of our times at such close quarters.
“There was a small platform erected as a kind of temporary stage. We were waiting breathlessly.
“He finally arrived surrounded by his personal bodyguards – tall and tough.
“I thought this was a historical moment in my life. I must at least shake his hands if not hug him.
“Realising that I had invaded the stage unannounced and not knowing who I was, Michael’s bodyguards were about to pounce on me and throw me away.”
Michael Jackson obviously spread hysteria wherever he went but this visit to Mumbai was indeed one to remember.
Ed Sheeran
Few know about Ed Shreeran’s closeness to India.
During a visit to Mumbai in 2024, Ed dropped in at Shah Rukh Khan’s residence and spent time with the actor and his wife Gauri Khan.
A clip showing Ed and SRK performing the latter’s signature step went viral on social media.
A fan commented: “Literally, this is the perfect moment for all of us.”
Ed also strummed his hit song ‘Thinking Out Loud’.
While in India, Ed asserted that he would love to work in a Bollywood film:
“A 100% yes, sign me up. I’d love to be involved with them musically as well.”
“I really like the energy, and I know I keep saying the word energy, but there is a very vibrant, positive energy around Bollywood.”
On May 18, 2024, Ed Sheeran appeared on Netflix’s Great Indian Kapil Show.
In the episode, Ed tries speaking Hindi and entertains the audience with a live performance of ‘Shape of You’.
An energetic display of ‘bhangra’ accompanies the performance, eliciting cheer and applause from the audience.
Beyonce
Also known as Beyonce Knowles-Carter, this beautiful singer shines as a beacon of talent among international musicians.
Stepping outside her usual concerts and tours, Beyonce made an appearance in Udaipur in 2018.
The superstar delivered a resplendent performance at Isha Ambani’s pre-wedding festivities.
Beyonce’s performance was part of the celebrations for Isha and Anand Piramal.
The ‘Listen’ singer was allegedly paid between $3 million to $4 million for the performance.
In 2012, Beyonce expressed her fondness for Indian style:
“I am very fond of Indian style, in fact during my last visit, I shopped a lot in India.
“However, I found the food to be very spicy because of the exotic spices.”
With her visits to India, Beyonce Knowles-Carter has proven herself to be a popular face among Desi fans.
For that, she deserves even more appreciation.
Rihanna
Continuing with the theme of Ambani celebrations, we come to the effervescent artist, Rihanna.
The singer-songwriter glistened at the pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant.
Taking place in Jamnagar, Rihanna performed with vigour and passion.
She sang her beloved hits including ‘Pour It Up’, ‘Wild Things’, and ‘Diamonds’.
During her time in Jamnagar, Rihanna forged a bond with the Bollywood star Janhvi Kapoor.
The official Dharma Productions X account posted a video clip of the pair dancing together.
Reflecting on her surprising bond with Rihanna, Janhvi said:
“It was actually a very long conversation.
“It was definitely a moment for me because who isn’t a fan of Rihanna?
“She is literally a goddess but more than any of that, she is so warm.
“She is so normal, so chill and yeah, I had a blast.”
After her departure from Jamnagar, Rihanna said: “I had the best time in India. I only had two days.
“The only reason I am leaving India is because [of] my kids. I have to come back.”
International musicians have a massive following, particularly among Gen Z fans of India.
It is a natural occurrence for them to perform in the country as part of concerts or global tours.
However, when they arrive for exclusive visits or events, it can create a niche in Indian culture.
For that, these visits by international musicians should be remembered and celebrated.
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