India, Sept. 17 -- For percussionist Ganesh Murali Iyer, a vague brief to fly to Goa for a recording session turned into the biggest surprise of his career. Only days before he walked into the studio did he learn he'd be playing the ghatam on British singer Ed Sheeran's recent album Play. "That completely blew my mind," he says. Bringing the earthy tones of the ghatam into a global pop record was a surreal moment. He gushes, "People all around the globe are now exposed to the sounds of India and the ghatam through this record. I'm glad I could make a small contribution to Indian classical music in this way." The sessions were intense; Ganesh recorded two to three hours a day, covering five songs per session. "Recording for an international artist is not easy but it's fun and challenges you to bring your best," he recalls. He sampled traditional patterns like sarva laghu (four-beat pattern) and tishram (three-beat pattern), contributing to eight songs, including Regrets, Old Phone, and Azizam. "Ed Sheeran loved the sound of the Ghatam and said it was very soulful and ancient. One of the most earthy instruments he had ever heard," Ganesh shares, adding that he even gifted Sheeran a ghatam. This collaboration carries a wider meaning beyond just the thrill of working with the pop stars. "I didn't have many Instagram followers back then, nor do I come with any industry backing... I'm glad I could introduce the Ghatam to so many people around the globe," he ends....