Arijit Singh: The Soulful Voice Behind Bollywood's Timeless Melodies

The Life Story of Arijit Singh: India’s Soulful Voice

Arijit Singh, a name synonymous with melodious music, is a prominent Indian playback singer whose songs have become a staple of Bollywood. His rise to fame is nothing short of extraordinary. A shy, humble individual, Arijit is known for his deep, soulful voice that connects instantly with the emotions of millions. His journey from a small town in West Bengal to becoming one of the most beloved voices of Indian cinema is filled with passion, persistence, and a genuine love for music.

Early Life and Musical Roots

Born on April 25, 1987, in Jiaganj, Murshidabad, West Bengal, Arijit Singh hailed from a musical family. His father is a Punjabi while his mother was Bengali, making him inherit a rich cultural and musical heritage. Arijit was surrounded by music since childhood. His grandmother was a classical singer, and his maternal aunt was a trained vocalist. His mother also sang and played tabla. This early exposure to music created a fertile ground for his future career.

At the age of three, Arijit’s inclination towards music was evident. His family recognized his talent and enrolled him for professional training. He began learning Indian classical music from Rajendra Prasad Hazari, who taught him tabla, and his training continued under Dhirendra Prasad Hazari and Birendra Prasad Hazari. He also studied Western classical music at the same time, reflecting his versatility and openness to various musical styles. This fusion of both worlds later became his strength in playback singing.

The Beginning of a Journey: Reality Show to Struggle

Like many others, Arijit’s journey to success was not immediate. He first came into the limelight in 2005 when he participated in a reality show called "Fame Gurukul." He was only 18 at the time. Despite having an impressive voice, Arijit finished sixth in the competition. But as destiny would have it, his talent caught the eye of filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who was one of the judges. Bhansali offered him an opportunity to sing for his film Saawariya. However, the song was never released.

Undeterred by the initial setbacks, Arijit kept working hard. He started his career as a music programmer and assistant to renowned composers like Pritam Chakraborty, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, and Vishal-Shekhar. This behind-the-scenes work gave him insight into the technical side of music production, and his early days as a music programmer helped him sharpen his understanding of music composition and arrangement.

Breakthrough: The Song that Changed Everything

In 2011, Arijit Singh got his first major break when he sang "Phir Mohabbat" from the film Murder 2. The song became a sleeper hit, and his voice started gaining recognition. However, it was the romantic track "Tum Hi Ho" from the film Aashiqui 2 in 2013 that turned Arijit into an overnight sensation. Composed by Mithoon, the song became a chartbuster and resonated deeply with audiences across the country. Arijit’s voice, filled with raw emotion, struck a chord with listeners and made him the voice of romance for an entire generation.

His singing career took off like a rocket from that point. "Tum Hi Ho" not only earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer but also cemented his place as one of Bollywood’s top playback singers.

The Voice of Bollywood

Post-2013, Arijit Singh became a fixture in Bollywood, lending his voice to numerous chart-topping hits. His ability to convey emotions—be it love, heartbreak, longing, or joy—has been the key to his immense popularity. His collaborations with composers like Pritam, A. R. Rahman, Mithoon, and Ankit Tiwari resulted in a string of hit songs, including:

• "Kabira" from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
• "Muskurane" from CityLights (2014)
• "Sooraj Dooba Hain" from Roy (2015)
• "Gerua" from Dilwale (2015)
• "Channa Mereya" from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016)
• "Zaalima" from Raees (2017)

Despite becoming a celebrity, Arijit has always maintained a low profile, shying away from the media and avoiding social media fame. He once mentioned in an interview that he wants his work to speak for him, not his public appearances.

Personal Life: A Private, Simple Man

Arijit Singh’s personal life is as private as his public persona is celebrated. In 2014, he married his childhood friend Koel Roy in a low-key ceremony in West Bengal. Koel already had a daughter from her previous marriage, and together, they form a happy family. Arijit is known to live a simple, grounded life despite his soaring fame.

He has often mentioned that his family is his priority. His love for solitude and simplicity stands in contrast to the glittering world of Bollywood. Even during live performances, Arijit prefers a no-fuss setup, focusing more on his singing than elaborate stage design.

Musical Evolution: Experimentation and Versatility

Arijit’s versatility as a singer is evident from the wide range of songs he has sung. While he is often associated with romantic numbers, he has never been afraid to experiment with his craft. He has seamlessly sung upbeat, peppy songs like "Badtameez Dil" and soulful, intense tracks like "Raabta" and "Aayat."

One of his defining traits is his ability to adapt his voice according to the mood of the song. Whether it’s the folk-infused "Kabira," the breezy "Ilahi," or the heart-wrenching "Channa Mereya," Arijit’s voice has a rare quality of melting into the emotion of the song. His collaborations with A. R. Rahman, in particular, showcased his ability to handle complex compositions with ease. Songs like "Enna Sona" from OK Jaanu and "Roke Na Ruke Naina" from Badrinath Ki Dulhania demonstrate his emotional depth and vocal range.

Arijit has also ventured into music direction, composing the soundtrack for films like Pagglait (2021), showing his evolving creativity in the industry.

Social Contributions: The Humble Philanthropist

Apart from his musical achievements, Arijit is also known for his philanthropic activities. He runs a charitable trust called "Let There Be Light," which focuses on helping the underprivileged in his hometown. His organization provides basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter to those in need. Arijit prefers to keep his philanthropic work under wraps, consistent with his belief in staying humble and giving back to society.

He has always expressed a desire to lead a peaceful, grounded life away from the limelight, focusing more on his art and helping people. His self-effacing nature and refusal to indulge in media frenzy set him apart from other stars.

Legacy: The Voice of a Generation

Arijit Singh’s legacy is not just built on his incredible vocal abilities but also on his humility, dedication to music, and passion for growth. In an industry often driven by glamour, Arijit stands out as a genuine artist who lets his music do the talking. His voice has become the backdrop to the emotions of millions, defining moments of love, heartbreak, and joy for a generation of listeners.

Arijit’s contribution to Indian music, especially Bollywood, is immeasurable. He is a versatile singer who can evoke emotions through his voice like few others can. With numerous awards under his belt, including Filmfare and National Awards, Arijit Singh has undoubtedly become one of the most important musical figures in modern Indian cinema.

Reference:

Singh, Arijit. The Journey of Arijit Singh: From Small-Town Dreams to Bollywood Stardom. Interview by various media outlets. Bollywood Playback Singer, 2011-2023. Accessed September 30, 2024.

This life story of Arijit Singh is based on publicly available information, interviews, and media coverage. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, some details may vary due to differences in sources. The article is intended for informational and educational purposes only, and any opinions expressed are those of the writer. Arijit Singh's personal life and achievements are subject to change, and readers are encouraged to verify key details through official channels.