Exclusive! Jackson Wang eats Vada Pav, Pani Puri and plays cricket in Mumbai: I want to soak in the culture and connect with Mumbaikars
After a whirlwind 12-hour flight, musician
Jackson Wang
wasn't prepared for a surprise massive welcome to Mumbai. Landing in the city on Tuesday morning, by noon he was already immersed in its vibrant culture.
From playing cricket on Juhu beach to savoring Mumbai's iconic vada pav and paani puri, Jackson explored the city with Bombay Times.
'I just landed into this massive big production ceremony. I wasn't prepared for it, ' the 31-year-old quips.
'Dahi Puri is my favourite'
During an exclusive photoshoot with Bombay Times, Jackson tried Mumbai's street food - Vada Pav and Paani Puri. 'Although it was a little spicy, I really like it. That thing they put in the middle, the mashed potatoes, I really love that.
However, my favourite was the Dahi Puri,' he tells us. Not stopping there, he squeezed fresh sugarcane juice on the bustling streets of Bandra, causing quite a stir—fans nearby were literally swooning at the sight.
Next stop was finding the perfect ethnic kurta for him, which he picked in ten minutes. "I will wear the Kurta on my way back home. And I will love to wear it in China, I think it will be a hit," he says.
Jackson later took a leisurely stroll on Juhu beach, where he was swiftly roped in by a group of youngsters for a game of cricket. Initially nervous, as he was playing cricket after a long time, the
LMLY
hitmaker got so grooved, that he did hit a few balls and even bowled a few.
'Playing cricket reminded me of my high school days. I had so much fun,' he shares with a nostalgic smile.
Jackson Wang eating street food: Photos by: Prathamesh Bandekar
'Mumbai was the place I really wanted to come'
This marks Jackson's second sojourn to India—the first being in 2023 for a concert. 'I feel every time when I visit a place it's always been about following a schedule. This time, I just wanted to travel as a human, explore off the beaten path, dive deep into the local market. Mumbai was the place I really wanted to come to,' he adds.
His previous trip was star-studded, with Bollywood's
Hrithik Roshan
graciously hosting him for dinner. Rumours swirl about another meeting on the horizon. On that, Jackson remarks, 'He is a superstar. If he is free, I would love to catch up. But honestly, I just want to go everywhere, soak in the culture, and truly connect with the locals.' He also adds, "The last time when I performed in India, the energy from Mumbai was another level.
Everyone was partying like there is no tomorrow. They were having more fun than me.
One of the most meaningful and memorable experience today, aside from all these delicious food, was me being able to meet my community. I met a few such people today and it felt good."
Jackson Wang in Mumbai: Photos by: Prathamesh Bandekar
'As an artist, you're supposed to express what happens to you'
Speaking about his music, Jackson emphasizes his hands-on approach: 'I direct and write everything myself.' His upcoming album,
Magic Man 2
, is yet another bold concept from the artist.
'There's no 'inspiration' per se. It's based on what I've experienced. As an artist, you're supposed to express what happens to you. This album is incredibly personal; it's about how you deal with emotions," he shares, adding, "I was brought into the entertainment industry at such an early age of 19. I didn't have experience in society or the industry. I just followed, shut up and listened to everyone.
But through 10 years, I experienced so much of the dark side and the curveballs of how reality and humanity is."
'I was blown away by Diljit's performance'
His latest track
Buck
features Indian singer Diljit Dosanjh, whom Jackson met at Coachella nearly four years ago. 'I performed right before him, and after my set, I watched his performance—I was blown away. I thought, 'I really want to work with him one day.' Then, two or three years later, I made a song and thought, 'Hey, Diljit would kill this.' So I invited him, and luckily, he said yes.'
Sharing a fun tidbit from their collaboration, Jackson laughs, 'When we met on set, he told me he had screenshotted a picture of me six months before I invited him because he liked my earrings.
I guess it was just meant to happen."
Jackson Wang in Mumbai: Photos by: Prathamesh Bandekar
'Was awestruck by Hrithik's Ek Pal Ka Jeena'
Jackson also expresses deep admiration for Indian music and dance. 'Last time in India, Hrithik showed me his Ek Pal ka Jeena video, and I was awestruck. Indian music videos are next level—the dance isn't just dancing anymore. It's movement and emotion, expressing something beyond words." He gushes, 'I also love the movie RRR—the dance sequences are breathtaking. I've even watched The White Tiger and loved it's uncliched ending.
"
On a parting note, as his Mumbai exploration has just begun, the
Pretty Please
singer is looking forward to see another side of the city. "I want to witness and see another side of Mumbai," he concludes.
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