HELLO! Exclusive: Selena Gomez's connection with India and her 'pinch me' moment with Meryl Streep

Selena Gomez is no stranger to the world’s spotlight. From topping music charts with earworms like Calm Down to headlining the Emmy-winning series, Only Murders in the Building, she is a rare pop culture force who can juggle acting, music, beauty entrepreneurship and social advocacy, all with the same effortless charm. Yet, in the middle of that global storm, Selena remains committed to engaging with fans worldwide, and India is no exception. “Honestly, I always feel like I can't get an opportunity to go to all of the places where I love to and meet my fans,” Selena says. “Hopefully one day I am going to be there because I did go and it was one of the most beautiful experiences. But I also just want to say thank you that even though I'm not there and you guys are supporting me from afar; it means the world.”

If that sounds like music to the ears of Indian Selenators; and there are millions, it should. Selena has always had huge star power globally, including India, where Bollywood and cricket dominate pop culture. Even in a time before Spotify existed, her songs garnered top streaming numbers. In the recent years, her collaboration with Rema on Calm Down turned into a pan-Indian anthem, blaring at weddings, sangeets, social media, and gym playlists, alike.

And then there’s her entrepreneurial side. Rare Beauty, Selena’s makeup line with a mission, launched in India to frenzied demand. The brand was seen as an extension of Gomez herself: unfiltered, inclusive, and deeply personal. The India launch cemented her status as more than a pop star as she became part of the cultural beauty fabric of young Indians.

Her recent admiration for Indian fans is seen as her genuine acknowledgement of a market that has embraced and supported her across mediums. And let’s be honest, Selena Gomez belting Lose You to Love Me live at a packed Mumbai stadium feels like the kind of global pop moment India deserves. But until that day arrives, fans can revel in her screen presence. 

(Also Read: There’s a je ne sais quoi about Lisa Haydon)

The fifth season of Only Murders in the Building sees Selena return alongside comedy legends, Steve Martin and Martin Short. She also shares scenes with none other than Meryl Streep. “When you're standing in a room full of talented actors and Meryl Streep is delivering a line to me, I'm in awe. I want to pinch myself,” she admits, with the wide-eyed humility that’s part of her charm.

Selena Gomez may be a global superstar, and a part of that reason is her ability to resonate with fans. For India, her music, her beauty line, and her sincerity have already made her a desi darling. All that’s left? The tour. And knowing that she knows she is loved here, that might not seem far.

(Also Read: Malaika Arora on the illusion of perfection and the beauty rule she loves to break)