Arijit Singh retires from playback singing after singing over 400 songs, leaving behind a legacy as Bollywood’s most beloved voice and Spotify’s top global artist.
New Delhi: If the story of 21st-century Indian music were written, it would likely be split into two parts: before Arijit Singh and after him. Recently, fans were stunned by his decision to leave playback singing. But the journey of a boy from the small town of Jiaganj, Murshidabad, to becoming the most-followed artist on Spotify globally is a story of talent, hard work, and quiet determination.
Early Life: Growing Up in Murshidabad
Born on April 25, 1987, to a Punjabi father and Bengali mother, music was part of Arijit’s life from the start. His mother and maternal aunt were trained in Indian classical music, and his maternal uncle played the tabla.
Seeing his talent early, his family enrolled him with the Hazari brothers for classical training:
- Rajendra Prasad Hazari: Indian classical music
- Dhirendra Prasad Hazari: Tabla and rhythm
- Birendra Prasad Hazari: Rabindra Sangeet and pop music
Thanks to this guidance, Arijit didn’t just become a singer—he became a complete musician with a deep understanding of melody, rhythm, and emotion.
Early Career: Reality Shows and Hard Work
At 18, Arijit joined the reality show Fame Gurukul in 2005. He finished sixth. Although he didn’t win, the experience taught him that fame can be fleeting.
He stayed in Mumbai and later won 10 Ke 10 Le Gaye Dil, taking home ₹10 lakh. Instead of buying luxury items, he built a small recording studio.
For the next five years, he worked behind the scenes as a music programmer and producer. He assisted top composers like Pritam, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, and Vishal-Shekhar. This experience helped him develop his signature intimate, emotional style.
The Big Break: 2013 and “Tum Hi Ho”
Although his debut was in Phir Mohabbat (2011), Arijit’s real breakthrough came with Aashiqui 2 (2013). The song “Tum Hi Ho” became a cultural phenomenon.
From that point, Arijit became the “Voice of Love” for millions. Over the next decade, hits like Channa Mereya, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Kabira, Agar Tum Saath Ho, and Kesariya defined modern Bollywood romance.
Awards and Achievements
| Award / Recognition | Details |
|---|---|
| Padma Shri (2025) | Honored by the Government of India for contribution to arts |
| National Film Awards | Won twice: Binte Dil (Padmaavat, 2018) and Kesariya (Brahmāstra, 2022) |
| Filmfare Awards | 8 wins for Best Male Playback Singer; tied with Kishore Kumar |
| Spotify Milestone | Became the most-followed artist worldwide in 2024, surpassing Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran; 170+ million followers in 2026 |
Spotify Milestone Became the most-followed artist worldwide in 2024, surpassing Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran; 170+ million followers in 2026
Versatility Beyond Romance
Although many saw him as a “sad song” singer, Arijit’s range is huge:
- Classical/Semi-Classical: Laal Ishq, Mast Magan
- High-Energy Dance: Nashe Si Chadh Gayi, Galti Se Mistake
- Indie / Experimental: Debut as composer in Pagglait (2021) and Bengali independent music via Oriyon Music
Life Offstage: Simplicity and Philanthropy
Despite being one of Asia’s highest-paid singers, Arijit lives a simple life. He is often seen riding a scooter or shopping like any ordinary person.
He runs the Tatwamasi Foundation in rural Bengal, focusing on:
- Healthcare: Emergency medical services in remote villages
- Education: Funding schools and vocational programs
- Sports: Building infrastructure for rural athletes
Technical Mastery: What Makes His Voice Unique
Arijit’s voice uses a “mixed voice” technique, hitting high notes softly and effortlessly. His tabla training adds precise rhythm, allowing him to improvise during live concerts. Each performance, even of songs like Channa Mereya, is unique.
Legacy: A Voice for a Generation
Arijit Singh’s songs became the soundtrack for an entire generation. They capture heartbreak, joy, friendship, and love.
In 2026, as he focuses on independent music, his playback career leaves a lasting mark. He proved that a superstar doesn’t need a larger-than-life persona—just a soul that can sing.
Also Read on jabalpur today: From “‘Tum Hi Ho’ to Goodbye: Arijit Singh took Retirement, Leaving Bollywood Without Its Soulful Voice”