NTX India Visit: Bollywood Songs, Indian Food and Shahid Kapoor

For K-pop boy band NTX, their second visit to India was about more than performing on stage. From experiencing Indian food and learning about local greetings to exploring Bollywood music and connecting with fans, each member returned with memories that made the trip special. The eight-member group said the warmth and enthusiasm of Indian audiences remained one of the biggest highlights of their visit.

NTX performed in Delhi last week during Korea Culture Day, giving Indian fans an opportunity to see the group live. The members also added a Bollywood touch to their performance by singing popular Hindi tracks such as Kesariya, Kaala Chashma and Koi Mil Gaya. Their musical choices reflected the group’s growing interest in Indian entertainment and its efforts to connect with audiences through familiar songs.

In an interview with PTI, members Hyeongjin, Yunhyeok, Xiha, Changhun, Hojun, Rawhyun, Eunho and Seungwon discussed their experiences during the visit, their favourite Indian food, Bollywood dance numbers and the increasing popularity of Korean Entertainment in India. They also spoke about their latest album, Go, and their ambition to explore musical influences beyond conventional K-pop.

NTX on Their Second India Visit: ‘We Are Really Happy to Be Here’

For NTX, returning to India after their previous visit in 2024 was an opportunity to reconnect with fans and experience the country’s culture again. The members said they were grateful for the reception they received and appreciated the enthusiasm shown by Indian audiences.

Changhun spoke about the group’s affection for Indian fans and the excitement of being invited back. He said, “We really like Indian fans, and we’re really happy to be here. We are really thankful and grateful that we got the chance to come here once again.”

The statement reflected a shared sentiment among the members: the experience of performing in India was closely connected to the response they received from the audience. For international music groups, fan engagement often extends beyond concerts. Cultural exchanges, local traditions, food and opportunities to interact with listeners can become important parts of a tour.

NTX’s second visit also highlighted the growing interaction between Indian audiences and Korean performers. With K-pop, Korean dramas and other forms of Korean entertainment attracting attention in India, events such as Korea Culture Day provide opportunities for artists and fans to connect beyond digital platforms.

Why ‘Namaste’ Left a Lasting Impression on NTX

Among the cultural experiences that stood out for the group was the traditional Indian greeting, “Namaste”. Group leader Hyeongjin said the gesture of folding one’s hands while greeting another person was particularly memorable.

He drew a comparison with South Korea, where people commonly use “Annyeonghaseyo” as a greeting. The Korean expression can mean “hello” or “how are you”, depending on the context. For Hyeongjin, the Indian greeting offered a different way of expressing respect and warmth during everyday interactions.

Namaste is widely used in India as a greeting and can also convey respect. The gesture is generally performed by bringing the palms together in front of the chest, often accompanied by a slight bow. Its simplicity and cultural significance make it one of the most recognisable Indian forms of greeting.

For visiting performers, such interactions can offer a personal introduction to a country’s customs. While concerts provide a direct connection through music, small cultural experiences often become equally memorable. Hyeongjin’s recollection suggests that the group’s time in India involved more than rehearsals and stage appearances.

Indian Food Wins Over NTX: Naan, Curry and Aloo Tikki

Food was another highlight of NTX’s India visit. The members got an opportunity to try Indian cuisine, including curry served with naan. Hojun particularly enjoyed the combination and recalled the experience of dipping naan into the curry.

“The moment we dipped the naan in the curry, we really liked it,” he said.

Naan is a popular leavened flatbread commonly served with curries and other dishes. Its soft texture makes it suitable for scooping up gravies, while the range of Indian curries offers different flavours and levels of spice. For someone experiencing the combination for the first time, the way the bread and curry complement each other can become a memorable part of the meal.

Hyeongjin, meanwhile, developed a liking for aloo tikki. The popular Indian snack, generally prepared using mashed potatoes mixed with spices and shaped into patties, reminded him of a Korean dish called Gamja-jeon.

Gamja-jeon is a Korean potato pancake, usually made by grating or finely preparing potatoes and cooking them into a crisp pancake. Although the two dishes have different preparations and flavours, their shared use of potatoes gave Hyeongjin a point of comparison.

The members’ food experiences offered another example of how cultural exchanges can happen through everyday activities. Trying local dishes allows visiting artists to discover flavours and ingredients that may be unfamiliar to them. In NTX’s case, naan with curry and aloo tikki became some of the standout memories of their return to India.

Seungwon Wants to Collaborate With Bollywood Star Shahid Kapoor

NTX’s interest in Indian entertainment also extends to Bollywood. During the interview, Seungwon expressed a desire to collaborate with actor Shahid Kapoor, particularly because of the Bollywood star’s dancing skills.

“Shahid Kapoor. I would like to collaborate with him someday,” Seungwon said.

Known for his work in Hindi films, Shahid Kapoor has also earned recognition for his dancing performances. His screen appearances have included a range of musical sequences, making him a name familiar to audiences who enjoy Bollywood choreography.

Seungwon’s wish points towards the possibilities of collaboration between K-pop performers and Indian film personalities. Both industries place considerable emphasis on music, choreography, visual presentation and performance. A collaboration could potentially bring together different dance styles and musical influences, although the member did not announce any confirmed project.

The interest also reflects NTX’s growing familiarity with Indian popular culture. Their decision to include Hindi songs in their Delhi performance and Seungwon’s mention of Shahid Kapoor show how the group is engaging with entertainment beyond its home market.

From Tauba Tauba to Kesariya: NTX’s Bollywood Connection

NTX’s connection with Bollywood music began during their previous visit to India in 2024. At the time, the group performed to the popular Hindi song Tauba Tauba. The members had discovered the track while researching trending Indian music and dance challenges on YouTube.

Yunhyeok recalled being particularly impressed by the song’s choreography. The dance steps caught the group’s attention, prompting the members to practise them every day ahead of their performance.

The experience demonstrated how online platforms can introduce international performers to music and dance trends from different countries. YouTube, in particular, allows artists to explore popular songs, choreography and audience trends before visiting a new market.

For NTX, learning the choreography was also a way to prepare something that Indian fans could recognise and enjoy. Rather than relying only on their own discography, the group used a popular Hindi song to create a connection with the local audience.

During their latest Delhi performance, they continued that approach by surprising fans with songs such as Kesariya, Kaala Chashma and Koi Mil Gaya. These tracks represent different moments and styles in Bollywood music, giving the performance a distinctly Indian touch.

The inclusion of familiar Hindi songs can make an international concert feel more connected to its host audience. For Indian fans, hearing a K-pop group perform Bollywood music can also create an unexpected meeting point between two popular entertainment cultures.

NTX’s Latest Album Go Explores Brazilian Funk and Hip-Hop

While the group is building connections with Indian audiences, NTX is also exploring a broader musical identity through its latest album, Go. According to member Rawhyun, who is involved in the group’s music production, the album incorporates international influences, including Brazilian funk and hip-hop.

The group’s earlier music largely followed conventional K-pop influences. With Go, however, the members have been exploring sounds that can connect with listeners across different countries. The shift reflects their interest in experimenting with musical styles rather than remaining within a single genre.

The album’s opening track, Vamos, incorporates Brazilian funk influences. Rawhyun explained that the track was initially prepared with audiences at the group’s Latin American tour performances in mind.

Brazilian funk, often associated with energetic rhythms and dance-oriented production, has developed a distinct identity within global popular music. Its influence on international tracks reflects the growing movement of musical styles across borders. By incorporating such sounds, NTX is experimenting with elements that may appeal to audiences familiar with different music cultures.

Hip-hop is another influence in the album’s broader musical direction. The combination of these genres with the group’s K-pop foundation gives Go a different character from its earlier releases.

How NTX Creates Its Music: Rawhyun and Yunhyeok’s Contributions

Rawhyun also discussed how the group approaches music production. He explained that inspiration can come from fellow members and changing moods. The creative process generally begins with instrumental arrangements before moving towards melodies and lyrics.

This approach allows the members to develop the musical foundation of a track before deciding how the vocal and lyrical elements should fit into it. Starting with the instrumental arrangement can also help establish the mood, rhythm and overall direction of a composition.

Group leader Hyeongjin emphasised that music-making is a collaborative process within NTX. He noted that every member contributes to the creative journey, while Rawhyun and Yunhyeok play important roles in developing the group’s music.

Such collaboration is significant for groups looking to establish a distinct musical identity. While the production team may shape the technical structure of a song, contributions from performers can help determine its personality, mood and direction.

For NTX, experimenting with different genres appears to be part of an effort to reach a wider audience. The group’s latest album reflects this ambition by combining its K-pop roots with musical influences from other parts of the world.

K-Pop and Korean Entertainment Continue to Find an Audience in India

During the interview, NTX members also reflected on the growing popularity of Korean entertainment in India. K-pop music, Korean dramas and other forms of Korean popular culture have attracted enthusiastic audiences across the country.

Digital platforms have played an important role in making Korean content more accessible to Indian viewers. Music videos, streaming services, social media and online fan communities allow audiences to discover artists and follow their work even when they are performing thousands of kilometres away.

For K-pop groups, this digital connection can develop into opportunities for live performances and cultural events. NTX’s return to India after two years is one example of how international artists are engaging with audiences beyond their domestic markets.

The group’s performance during Korea Culture Day also created an opportunity to introduce Indian fans to its music while incorporating elements of local popular culture. Performing Bollywood songs alongside their own tracks helped bring the two entertainment traditions together on one stage.

Eunho expressed gratitude for the welcome the group received during its return visit. He said the members had worked hard to prepare for their performance and appreciated the enthusiasm of Indian fans.

For the group, the reception was an important part of the experience. The members’ comments suggest that the connection with the audience, rather than the performance alone, made the visit memorable.

NTX’s India Visit: A Meeting of K-Pop, Bollywood and Culture

NTX’s second visit to India brought together several elements of cultural exchange. The group performed for Indian fans, explored local food, learned about the significance of Namaste and incorporated popular Bollywood songs into its stage presentation. The members also shared their interest in collaborating with Indian entertainers, with Shahid Kapoor emerging as Seungwon’s choice.

At the same time, the group’s latest album, Go, reflects its ambition to experiment with global musical influences. From Brazilian funk to hip-hop, NTX is exploring sounds that move beyond the group’s earlier K-pop foundations.

As Korean entertainment continues to attract interest in India, visits like these provide opportunities for artists and audiences to connect through music, food and shared cultural experiences. For NTX, the warmth of Indian fans and the memories of its second visit appear to have made a lasting impression.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which K-pop group recently visited India for the second time?

South Korean boy band NTX visited India for the second time and performed in Delhi during Korea Culture Day.

2. When did NTX perform in Delhi?

NTX performed in Delhi last week during Korea Culture Day. The group also included popular Bollywood songs in its performance.

3. Which Bollywood songs did NTX perform in India?

NTX surprised Indian fans by singing popular Hindi songs such as Kesariya, Kaala Chashma and Koi Mil Gaya.

4. Which Indian food did NTX members enjoy?

NTX members tried Indian curry with naan. Hojun particularly enjoyed the combination, while Hyeongjin said he liked aloo tikki.

5. Which Bollywood actor does NTX member Seungwon want to collaborate with?

Seungwon expressed a desire to collaborate with Shahid Kapoor, mentioning the actor’s dancing skills.

6. Which Hindi song did NTX perform during its 2024 India visit?

During its previous India visit in 2024, NTX performed to the popular Hindi song Tauba Tauba after discovering its choreography through YouTube.

7. What is NTX’s latest album called?

NTX’s latest album is titled Go. It explores musical influences beyond conventional K-pop, including Brazilian funk and hip-hop.

8. What is special about NTX’s song Vamos?

Vamos, the opening track of Go, incorporates Brazilian funk influences. Rawhyun said it was initially prepared with the group’s Latin American tour audiences in mind.