Arijit Singh (born 25 April 1987) is an Indian singer and music composer. The recipient of several accolades including a National Film Award and six Filmfare Awards, He has recorded songs in several Indian languages and has established himself as one of the leading playback singers of Bollywood.
Singh began his career when he participated in the contemporary reality show, Fame Gurukul in 2005, but didn’t receive widespread recognition before the release of “Tum Hi Ho” and “Chahun Main Ya Naa” in 2013. He was declared the most-streamed Indian artist of 2020 and 2021 by Spotify. He was the most followed Asian soloist on Spotify.
Early life
Singh’s musical career began when his guru Rajendra Prasad Hazari, who felt that “Indian classical music was a dying tradition”, insisted him to leave his hometown and participate in the reality show Fame Gurukul (2005) at the age of 18. He was eliminated by audience polling, finishing in sixth place.
During the show, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali recognized his talent and had him sing “Yun Shabnami” a song scheduled to be used in his upcoming film Saawariya. During production, the script changed and the song was no longer required. It was never released. After the Fame Gurukul, Kumar Taurani, the head of Tips, signed him for an album which was never released.
He participated in another reality show 10 Ke 10 Le Gaye Dil and won. He chose to move to Mumbai in 2006 to freelance, staying in a rented room in the Lokhandwala area of the city. He invested the prize money of ₹10 Lakh from 10 ke 10 Le Gaye Dil to build his recording studio. He became a music producer and began composing music and singing pieces for advertisements, news channels and radio stations.
Singh spent a part of his early musical career as a music programmer and music producer for music directors such as Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, Vishal–Shekhar, Mithoon, Monty Sharma and Pritam. While working with other composers he supervised the vocals, and the chorus sections, but it was while working with Pritam, that he began to produce and program music by himself.
Career
2010–13 : Early releases and Aashiqui 2
In 2010, Singh started working with Pritam on three films—Golmaal 3, Crook and Action Replayy. He started with singing scratches in the Telugu Film Industry with the 2010 film Kedi with the song “Neeve Na Neeve Na” composed by Sandeep Chowta. In 2011, Singh made his Bollywood musical debut with the Mithoon composition, “Phir Mohabbat” from Murder 2, which though he recorded it in 2009 was released in 2011. The same year, when he was programming for the song “Raabta” from Agent Vinod (2012), Pritam asked him to sing as well. The part was retained in all four versions of the song, and he was made to sing the entire composition in one of the versions. Apart from Agent Vinod, Singh dubbed for Pritam in three, other films released during the year: Players, Cocktail and, Barfi!.
He also sang for Chirantan Bhatt in 1920: Evil Returns for the song “Uska Hi Banana“. Glamsham in its review of the song “Uska Hi Banana” wrote that Singh had sung the song intensely, emotionally and passionately and at a very high pitch.
He sang on Vishal–Shekhar’s composition “Duaa” in the film Shanghai. It won him the Mirchi Music Award for Upcoming Male Playback Singer award. He was nominated in the same category for “Phir Le Aya Dil” from Barfi!.
Singh’s breakthrough came in Aashiqui 2 where he was a lead and key vocalist and came to prominence with the release of the song “Tum Hi Ho” from the movie. The song won him several awards and nominations including Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer. In the same year his 3 songs from Telugu movie Swamy ra ra were also gained popularity.
Singh continued to work with Pritam, singing “Dilliwaali Girlfriend”, “Kabira” and “Ilahi” for Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. Other than singing the encore version of “Kabira”, he was the music producer of the track along with “Balam Pichkari” from the same film. Singh sang the song for Phata Poster Nikhla Hero titled “Main Rang Sharbaton Ka”, also a composition by Pritam, as well as his song “Dhoka Dhadi” for R… Rajkumar.
He sang for Shah Rukh Khan in the song “Kashmir Main Tu Kanyakumari” from Chennai Express which was composed by Vishal–Shekhar. Apart from rendering the duet version of “Har Kisi Ko” from Boss along with Neeti Mohan, the year marked his collaboration with Sharib–Toshi on the song “Kabhi Jo Baadal Barse” from Jackpot, and with Sanjay Leela Bhansali on the semi-classical number, “Laal Ishq” from Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela. Later, Singh picked “Kabhi Jo Baadal Barse” as one of his favorite songs, he chose “Tose Naina” from Mickey Virus as “closest to his heart”.
2014
In 2014, Singh got the chance to work with two of his favourite music directors, Sajid–Wajid and A. R. Rahman. He performed two tracks on Main Tera Hero and the song “Raat Bhar” from Heropanti for Sajid-Wajid, and dubbed the Hindi version of the song “Medhuvaagathaan” from Kochadaiiyaan titled “Dil Chaspiya” for A. R. Rahman. He rendered three re-mixed songs Amit Trivedi’s “Hungama Ho Gaya”, a song for Yaariyan, Sharib-Toshi’s “Samjhawan” for Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, and “Mast Magan” for 2 States, as well as “Jiya” for Gunday, and Arko Pravo Mukherjee’s “Aaj Phir” for Hate Story 2. Singh worked with Vishal Bhardwaj, recording two songs from Haider and with Sachin–Jigar on “Jaise Mera Tu” in Happy Ending. The year marked his collaboration with many other music directors including Tony Kakkar and Palak Muchhal. During the year, he provided vocals for Mithoon on “Humdard” for Ek Villain and “Hai Dil Ye Mera” for Hate Story 2. He worked with Vishal–Shekhar on “Manwa Laage” for Happy New Year, and with Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy on “Sajde” for Kill Dil. He sang two songs on Sharib-Toshi’s Zid, and on three tracks for Pritam Chakraborty’s Holiday which was arranged by Singh himself. Jeet Gannguli’s song Muskurane garnered him the most nominations for the year, while he received two Filmfare nominations for “Suno Na Sangemarmar” and the Sufi song “Mast Magan”. Singh picked “Gulon Mein Rang Bhare”—originally sung by Mehdi Hassan and re-written for Haider by Vishal Bhardwaj—as his favorite track of the year.
2015
Singh made his Tamil debut in 2015 with the song “Neeye Vaazhkai Enbena” from the film Pugazh.He also provided vocals for the Dance song “Sooraj Dooba Hain” from Roy, which was composed by Amaal Mallik, and written by Kumaar. It was dubbed the “Party Anthem of the Year”. During the year he sang a duet “Agar Tum Saath Ho” with Alka Yagnik, from the movie Tamasha which is composed by A. R. Rahman and written by Irshad Kamil. He worked again with Amaal Mallik on the song “Khwaishein” from Calendar Girls. Apart from dubbing the Hindi version of the song “Pookkalae Sattru Oyivedungal” from Rahman’s I, along with Shreya Ghoshal, Singh teamed up with Gannguli and Bobby–Imran for Khamoshiyan, where he performed the film’s title song. He sang “Baatein Ye Kabhi Na” for Gannguli and “Tu Har Lamha” for Bobby-Imran. He collaborated with Gannguli on two other projects; “Teri Khushboo” for Mr. X and the title track for Hamari Adhuri Kahani. Besides working with Chirantan Bhatt on “Teri Meri Kahaani” and Sachin–Jigar on “Chunar”, he worked with some new composers like Bann Chakraborty, Khamosh Shah, Jatinder Shah, and Manj Musik. Moreover, Singh recorded a reprise version of Sonu Nigam’s 1999 song “Deewana Tera” for Ek Paheli Leela. The year marked the first collaboration between Singh and Himesh Reshammiya, on the song “Baaton Ko Teri” from All Is Well. He voiced Bhardwaj in “Shaam Ke Saaye” and “Kya Pataa” for Talvar and Drishyam respectively, and he performed Phantom‘s “Saware” and “Sooiyan” from Guddu Rangeela. As well as recording soundtracks, Singh released his second promotional single during the year. Titled, “Chal Waha Jaate Hain”, the song is composed by Mallik and features Tiger Shroff and Kriti Sanon. Singh also made his Marathi debut with the song “Yaar Illahi – Qawwali” from the film Katyar Kaljat Ghusali.
In 2015, Chinmayi Sripada recorded a romantic duet titled “Sooiyan”, written by Irshad Kamil and Amit Trivedi, with Singh for the Bollywood film Guddu Rangeela. Arijit was the lead vocalist on the soundtrack of the 2015 film Dilwale singing “Janam Janam”. He sang the duet song “Gerua” composed by Pritam and written by Amitabh Bhattacharya with Antara Mitra featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in the music video, which received a good response. He sang the dance song “Tukur Tukur” on the movie Dilwale also composed by Pritam and written by Bhattacharya which was also well received.
Arijit completed shooting for his directorial debut in 2015. Titled Bhalobasar Rojnamcha, it is a Bengali feature film compiled with seven short films. Co-written by Singh, a work-in-progress version of the film has been sent to some film festivals abroad.
2016
In early 2016, Singh sang “Yeh Fitoor Mera” written by Swanand Kirkire composed by Amit Trivedi. Firstpost in its review spoke positively of the song calling it a trademark song from the Fitoor album. Firstpost also commended Singh’s singing. Singh made his Gujarati debut with the song “Satrangi Re” from the film Wrong Side Raju.
Some of his noteworthy Hindi songs of 2016 included “Soch Na Sake” which is a duet with Tulsi Kumar from the movie Airlift, composed by Amaal Mallik written by Kumaar “Sanam Re” the title track of the movie Sanam Re, composed and written by Mithoon, “Bolna” from the movie Kapoor and Sons, and “Itni Si Baat Hain”, a duet with Antara Mitra, composed by Pritam Chakraborty and written by Manoj Yadav.
Singh was the key vocalist on the Raaz Reboot soundtrack and sang “Lo Maan Liya” composed by Jeet Ganguly written by Kausar Munir from it. He also sang the haunting melody “Raaz Aakhein Teri” and “Yaad Hain Na” from the same film.
He sang the duet “Dharkhaast” from the film, Shivaay with Sunidhi Chauhan, the music is composed by Mithoon the lyrics are penned by Sayeed Quadri. Daily News and Analysis in their review of song “Dharkhaast” commended Singh and Sunidhi’s singing.
As the key vocalist on the film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil Singh sang the popular the title track “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil” composed by Pritam Chakraborty and written by Amitabh Bhattacharya. He also sang “Channa Mereya”, which garnered over 110 million views. He rendered another chartbuster hit “Nashe Si Chadh Gayi” from Befikre. The promotional video for the song garnered over 330 million views on YouTube.
He also sang “Naina” from Dangal at the end of 2016. In its review, Zee News wrote Arijit Singh’s “Naina song from Dangal will touch your heart”, and the Indian actor Varun Dhawan praised the song.
2017
In 2017, he sang for Shah Rukh Khan and performed a romantic duet with Harshdeep Kaur called “Zaalima”, composed by Pritam’s JAM8 and written by Amitabh Bhattacharya from the movie Raees. Khan shared multiple teasers of the song before its full release. He provided vocals for Salim–Sulaiman’s compositions “Kuch Parbat Hilayein” and “Babul Mora” written by Amitabh Bhattacharya from the inspirational movie Poorna. He rendered “Alvida” from the film Rangoon, which the Deccan Chronicle praised in its review of the movie.
He also sang the song “Roke Na Ruke Naina”, composed by Amaal Mallik written by Kumaar from the film Badrinath Ki Dulhania, and the chorus song “Namami Brahmaputra” (English: I Bow to the Brahmaputra) composed by Papon and dedicated to the river Brahmaputra which flows in Assam and has high cultural, economic and social importance for the northeast Indian and Assamese people. He “Haareya”, a song from the Hindi movie Meri Pyaari Bindu. and the song “Murshida” from the Begum Jaan written by Rahat Indori and composed by Anu Malik.
Singh sang “Phir Bhi Tumko Chaahunga”, composed by Mithoon, with lyrics by Manoj Muntashir from the soundtrack of Half Girlfriend. Zee Music Company released it before their planned date due to public demand. He also sang “Pal Bhar” which is a reprise and extended version of song from Phir Bhi Tumko Chahunga. “Pal Bhar” is written by Muntashir and composed by Mithoon.
He was the lead vocalist on the film Raabta singing “Ik Vaari Aa”, composed by Pritam, lyrics are penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya. The song is from the soundtrack of Indian film Raabta. Singh lent his vocals and played acoustic guitar with Roland Fernandes for the song “Lambiyaan si Judaiyaan” composed by JAM8 and written by Amitabh Bhattacharya, also on the film’s soundtrack. He sang “Tera Hoke Rahoon” song composed by (Kaushik, Akash, Guddu) of JAM8, with lyrics by Bipin Das in the movie Behen Hogi Teri.
He sang “O Saathi”, with the music composed and lyrics written by Mithoon from the Hindi film Shab, and the dance song, “Main Tera Boyfriend”, with Neha Kakkar. It is written by Kumar and composed by Sourav Roy.
Singh was the lead singer of the Jagga Jasoos Soundtrack singing the dance song “Ullu ka Pattha” composed by Pritam and written by Amitabh Bhattacharya, a fun song titled “Galti Se Mistake”, written by Amitabh Bhattacharya, and Pritam’s composition “Jhumri Talaiyya” written by Amitabh Bhattacharya. He also sang “Phir Wahi” from Jagga Jasoos composed by Pritam and written by Amitabh Bhattacharya.
He sang for Shah Rukh Khan and performed the dance song “Beech Beech Main” from the film Jab Harry Met Sejal with additional vocals provided by Shefali Alvares and Shalmali Kholgade, as well as “Hawayein”, composed by Pritam Chakraborty and written by Irshad Kamil. Indian media wrote that Singh’s vocals in the song were “mesmerizing”
Singh sang “Bairagi” for the film Bareilly Ki Barfi. He also sang “Jaana Ve” and “Aaj Zid” for Aksar 2. The music was composed by Mithoon and written by Sayeed Quadri. He also sang “Main Hoon Saath Tere” from Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana, and sang and also made an appearance in the music video of the song “Pal”, featured in the film Monsoon Shootout. Singh’s voice texture in the song garnered favorable reviews from the Indian media.
2018
In 2018, Singh sang “Aaj Se Teri” for the film Pad Man, composed by Amit Trivedi and written by Kausar Munir. He sang “Binte Dil” for the film Padmaavat written by A. M. Turaz and composed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He also sang another chartbuster titled “Subah Subah” for the film Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety with Prakriti Kakar, composed by Amaal Mallik and written by Kumaar as well as “Tera Yaar Hoon Main”. He also sang for the films Dil Juunglee, 3 Storeys, Hichki, Raazi, Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran, Veere Di Wedding, 102 Not Out, Baazaar, Kedarnath and Karwaan.
2019
In 2019 Singh sang “Ruan Ruan” from film Sonchiriya composed by Vishal Bhardwaj and penned by Varun Grover, followed by “Mere Pyare Prime Minister” from Mere Pyare Prime Minister on composition of Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy and lyrics of Gulzar.
In March his song “Ve Maahi” with Asees Kaur from film Kesari composed by Tanishk Bagchi was released. The song garnered 200 million views on YouTube by July 2019.
Then came “First Class” with Neeti Mohan and title song “Kalank” from film Kalank composed by Pritam Chakraborty and penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya.
He rendered “Khairiyat” from the film Chhichhore composed by Pritam and written by Amitabh Bhattacharya. It was released in September 2019.
His song “Tujhe Kitna Chahne Lage hum” from blockbuster film Kabir Singh in 2019
In October his song “Ghungroo” with Shilpa Rao was released from the movie, War. Lyrics are written by Kumaar and music is given by Vishal–Shekhar
In Late December 2019, he sang “Dariyaganj” with Dhvani Bhanushali in the film Jai Mummy Di, composed by Amartya Bobo Rahut; written by Siddhant Kaushal.
2020
In January 2020, 10 of his songs were released. Three songs released from the film Love Aaj Kal : “Shayad”, “Haan Tum Ho” and “Haan Main Galat”, which are composed by Pritam; Title Track of Chhapaak along with “Khulne Do” and “Sab Jhulas Gaya” composed by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy written by Gulzar; “Dua Karo” from the film Street Dancer 3D is sang along with Bohemia; “Chal Ghar Chalen” is a song from the movie Malang composed by Mithoon; He has sung the songs “Azaadi Ke Liye” and “Mere Watan” from the Amazon Originals The Forgotten Army.
He has also sung a song in a Bengali film, Love Aaj Kal Porshu.
On 18 July 2020, Singh announced his upcoming venture in making non-film music under the banner “Oriyon Music”.
He made an appearance in a music video from Sunny M.R.’s new single “Lifafe” on 31 July 2020.
In August 2020, Singh’s song “Dil Ko Maine Di Kasam” was released, composed by Amaal Malik featuring actors Asim Riaz and Himanshi Khurana.
Singh released his first single “Rihaa” under his banner Oriyon Music on 4 October 2020; along with the Bengali version “Mukto Kore Dao” on 10 October 2020; with the Hindi lyrics written by Shloke Lal and the Bengali lyrics written by Singh himself.
Singh also sang the songs “Aabaad Barbaad” and “Hardum Humdum” from Ludo. The film is directed by Anurag Basu and composed by Pritam.
2021
In early January, Singh sang “O Saaiyan” from the film The Power, along with Raj Pandit.
On 12 March 2020, Singh revealed that he will be composing music for the film Pagglait under his banner Oriyon Music, making it his first time venture as a music composer in Bollywood. The soundtrack album was released on 15 March 2021 on various music streaming services. He also sang for other films like 83, Tadap, Sooryavanshi, Bhuj: The Pride of India, etc.
2022
In January, Singh sang 2 songs “Soch Liya” and “Aashiqui Aa Gayi” from the movie Radhe Shyam. Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal have sung for the movie Bachchan Pandey composed by Amaal Malik and lyrics written by Kumaar. Singh also sang “Kesariya” from the movie Brahmāstra.
Vocals and musical style
Arijit is often compared to singer Atif Aslam for similar voice texture and tone. Regarding this, Aslam said “If God’s kind to someone you should also respect them. Arijit has been blessed and people should respect him. I am no one to control anyone. We need to understand there’s no such thing as number one.” Music director Amaal Malik said: “…can’t compare anyone to Atif Aslam, he is a senior and has been around for years”. “Arijit is Arijit, Atif is Atif, they have their own styles and strengths”
In an interview with The Times of India, Singh mentioned that he has a “natural voice” and said he did nothing special to maintain it. He has described his voice as “nasal” and believes that it matches with all the actors. Shekhar Ravjiani of the music director duo Vishal–Shekhar wrote that Singh’s “vocal texture is brilliant. The way he emotes and the soul he puts into each song is exemplary.” India Today describes his voice as “raw and grainy”, whereas the paper’s Moeena Halim identifies his voice as soulful and baritone, while the International Business Timkes considers his voice “soothing”. Koimoi, in a review, commended his voice. Bollywood Hungama, in a review of Aashiqui 2, described Singh as a singer with a “rich texture and depth in his voice”. However, they suggested he should “sing smoothly”, without heavy breaths in between. NewsX acclaimed Singh’s voice.
Singing style, Impact and Recognition
In an interview music director and composer, Pritam said: “Arijit is a good singer, a smart musician, and an intelligent musician as well.” Vishal Dadlani of the music director duo Vishal–Shekhar said Singh is a phenomenal singer. In another interview, he said “Arijit has the ability and the openness needed to make every recording a genuine collaboration. He’s also a really nice guy, with no ego. That helps” Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali in an Interview with The Hindu said, “Arijit Singh is very special”.
Shreya Ghoshal remarked that he “is versatile and has a soulful voice”. Shankar Mahadevan said “I knew him before he became Arijit Singh. He is an educated musician, he understands his Sargam, and he has got depth. Suresh Wadkar praised him as one of the “great singers of this generation”.
Personal life
In 2014, Singh married Koel Roy, a childhood friend and a neighbour of his. They have two children. Singh currently resides in Andheri, Mumbai. Singh says apart from being a singer, he is a badminton player, a writer, a movie freak and a documentary maker. He also likes cricket and cites Sachin Tendulkar, Lance Klusener, Sourav Ganguly, and Jonty Rhodes as his favorite sportsmen. He is an ardent football fan, and a Manchester United fan. He has also expressed a wish to sing the anthem for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In badminton, he likes Saina Nehwal
Singh’s mother, Aditi Singh, was admitted and underwent treatment for COVID-19 and recently tested negative but died due to a cerebral stroke on 20 May 2021.
Humanitarian work
Singh said in an interview that he would love to serve people through his NGO named “Let There Be Light” which works for the Below Poverty Line (BPL) community. His NGO aims to include activities like blood bank camp (with proof and records and photographs of all the blood being delivered properly), distribution of clothes, books, stationery, etc. to Below Poverty Line children on a huge scale and seasonal human ground activities.
Arijit Singh Height Weight Age And Body Statistics Biography
Arijit Singh’s Hindi Film Songs and albums
Arijit has sung innumerable songs in Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu and Punjabi.
Here are some few of them
- “Channa Mereya”,
- “Tum Hi Ho”,
- “Phir Bhi Tumko Chahunga”,
- “Uska Hi Banana”,
- “Aayat”,
- “Raabta”,
- “Ik Vaari Aa”,
- “Main Tara Boyfriend”,
- Ae Dil Hai Mushkil”,
- “Gerua”,
- “Janam Janam”,
- “Khamoshiyan”,
- “Hamari Adhuri Kahani”, “Samjhawan”,
- “Sooraj Dooba Hain”,
- “Roke Na Ruke Naina”,
- “Zaalima”,
- “Laal Ishq”,
- “Muskurane”,
- “Phir Kabhi”,
- “Shayad”
- “Haan Main Galat”,
- “Aabaad Barbaad”,
- “Hardum Humdum”
- “Aashiqui Aa Gayi” .
Awards won by Arijit Singh
Bollywood Hungama Surfers Choice Music Awards
2013 Aashiqui 2 “Tum Hi Ho”
2015 Dilwale “Gerua”
Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Sing
2014 Aashiqui 2 “Tum Hi Ho”
Roy “Sooraj Dooba Hain”
2017 Ae Dil Hai Mushkil “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil”
2018 Badrinath Ki Dulhania “Roke Na Ruke Naina” Won
Raazi “Ae Watan”
2020 Kalank “Kalank”
Mirchi Music Awards
2013 Male Vocalist of The Year Aashiqui 2 “Tum Hi Ho”
Song of The Year”Tum Hi Ho”
(along with Mithoon)
Album of The Year Aashiqui 2
Samjhawan for Humpy Sharma Ki Dulhaniya
2 States
Muskurane ki Wajah for City Lights
Dilwale
Bajirao Maastani
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
Jab Harry Met Sejal “Hawayein”
Padmavat
Kalank
“Pagglait” For “Thode Kam Ajanbi”
National Film Awards
2018 Hindi Padmavat “Binte Dil”
RMIM Puraskar
Phir Le Aya Dil”Song of The Year for Barfi
Bajirao Mastani
Jab Harry Met Sejal
Love Aaj Kal
Dil Bechara
Atrangi Re
Pagglait
Zee Cine Award for Best Playback Singer – Male
2014 Aashiqui 2 “Tum Hi Ho”
2017 Ae Dil Hai Mushkil “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’
2020 Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas
Tele Cine Awards
2013 Bojhena Shey Bojhena
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