Arijit Singh
Indian singer (born 1987)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Arijit Singh (Bengali pronunciation: [oɾid͡ʒit̪ ʃiŋɦo]; born 25 April 1987) is an Indian singer, composer, and music producer. He has been described by critics as one of the most influential and commercially successful vocalists in Indian music, and is noted for his emotive vocal style and work across multiple genres.[1]
Arijit Singh | |
|---|---|
Singh in 2025 | |
| Born | 25 April 1987 Jiaganj, West Bengal, India |
| Alma mater | Sripat Singh College |
| Occupations | |
| Years active | 2007–present |
| Works | Discography |
| Spouse |
Koel Roy (m. 2014) |
| Children | 3 |
| Awards | Full list |
| Honours | Padma Shri (2025) |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Labels |
|
| Signature | |
 | |
He has received several awards, including two National Film Awards and a record-equalling eight Filmfare Awards. In 2025, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, for his contributions to the arts.[2]
Singh began his career in 2005 as a contestant on the reality television programme Fame Gurukul. He subsequently worked as a music programmer and assistant to composers including Pritam before making his playback singing debut in Hindi cinema with “Phir Mohabbat” (2011). He gained wider recognition in 2013 with “Tum Hi Ho” from Aashiqui 2, which earned him his first Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer.[3]
In 2025, he received his eighth Filmfare Award for “Sajni”, equalling Kishore Kumar’s record for the most wins in the Best Male Playback Singer category.[4][5]
Singh has been the most-streamed artist on Spotify in India for seven consecutive years, from 2019 to 2025.[6] As of 2026, he is the most-followed artist globally on Spotify, with over 177 million followers.[7][8]
Early life
Singh was born on 25 April 1987[9] in Jiaganj, Murshidabad district, West Bengal, India, to Surinder Kakkar Singh, a Punjabi Sikh father,[10][11][12] and Aditi Singh, a Bengali Hindu mother.[13] His paternal family migrated from Lahore during the Partition of India.[10][11][12]
Singh was raised in a musically inclined family and began training in music at an early age. His maternal aunt was trained in Indian classical music, while his maternal grandmother sang. His maternal uncle played the tabla, and his mother also sang and played the instrument.[13]
He attended Raja Bijay Singh High School and later studied at Sripat Singh College, affiliated with the University of Kalyani.[13] He has stated that he was a “decent student” but was more inclined towards music, leading his parents to arrange formal training.[13]
He received training in Indian classical music from Rajendra Prasad Hazari and in tabla from Dhirendra Prasad Hazari. He was also trained in Rabindra Sangeet and Western pop music by Birendra Prasad Hazari.[13] He began training under the Hazari brothers at the age of three, and at the age of nine received a government scholarship for vocal training in Indian classical music.[14]
Growing up, he listened to composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven, as well as modern Bengali music.[15] He has cited musicians including Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Ustad Rashid Khan, Zakir Hussain, and Anand Chatterjee as influences, and has also expressed admiration for singers such as Kishore Kumar, Hemant Kumar, and Manna Dey.[16]
Career
Early career and breakthrough
In the early 2010s, Singh began receiving opportunities as a playback singer, frequently collaborating with Pritam on film soundtracks including Golmaal 3, Crook, and Action Replayy. He also recorded "Neeve Na Neeve Na" for the Telugu film Kedi and made his Hindi playback debut with "Phir Mohabbat" from Murder 2.
He gained wider recognition with "Raabta" from Agent Vinod (2012), and subsequently contributed to the soundtracks of films such as Players, Cocktail, and Barfi!.[17]
His breakthrough came with Aashiqui 2 (2013), particularly the song "Tum Hi Ho", which achieved commercial success and earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer. The song is considered a turning point in his career.
Following this, he recorded songs for films including Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Chennai Express, Jackpot, and Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, further establishing his presence in Hindi film music.[18]
2014–2019: Continued success
During the mid-2010s, Singh remained a prominent figure in Indian film music, collaborating frequently with composers such as Pritam and Vishal–Shekhar.
In 2019, he recorded "Khairiyat" for the film Chhichhore, composed by Pritam with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya; the song achieved commercial success and streaming popularity. In the same year, he recorded "Tujhe Kitna Chahne Lage" for Kabir Singh, which was among the commercially successful Hindi film songs of the year.[19]
He also collaborated with Shilpa Rao on "Ghungroo" from War, composed by Vishal–Shekhar with lyrics by Kumaar.[20]
2020–present: Independent ventures
In 2020, Singh recorded songs for films including Love Aaj Kal, Chhapaak, Street Dancer 3D, and Malang. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he also contributed to the soundtrack of the series The Forgotten Army – Azaadi Ke Liye.
In July 2020, Singh launched his independent music label, Oriyon Music, marking a shift towards non-film music.[21] He subsequently released non-film singles including “Dil Ko Maine Di Kasam”, composed by Amaal Mallik, and “Rihaa”, his first independent single as singer, composer, and producer; a Bengali version titled “Mukto Kore Dao” was also released.[22]
In 2022, he recorded "Kesariya" from Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva, for which he received the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer at the 68th Filmfare Awards. In 2025, he received his eighth Filmfare Award for "Sajni" from Laapataa Ladies, equalling Kishore Kumar’s record for the most wins in this category.[23]
Singh has remained among the most-streamed Indian artists on digital platforms throughout the 2020s, with his catalogue featuring in Spotify India year-end charts.[24]
In January 2026, he announced his retirement from playback singing, stating that he would no longer accept new assignments while continuing to pursue independent and classical music.[25]
Vocals and musical style
Singh has been described as a baritone, and is noted for his emotive vocal style and tonal quality.[26] Critics have commented on the texture of his voice and its consistency in live performances.[27] He has also been noted for his use of meend in his singing.[27]
Technical proficiency and training
Singh's vocal training began at an early age under the Hazari brothers. He studied Hindustani classical music under Rajendra Prasad Hazari, and was trained in Rabindra Sangeet and Western pop music by Birendra Prasad Hazari.[28]
His training has enabled him to perform across a range of vocal registers and musical styles.[29] Critics have noted his use of techniques such as controlled voice modulation in his performances.
Versatility and repertoire
Singh is primarily associated with romantic ballads such as "Tum Hi Ho" and "Channa Mereya", but has performed across multiple genres. His repertoire includes dance tracks such as "Nashe Si Chadh Gayi", Punjabi folk-inspired songs including "Samjhawan", and Sufi-influenced compositions such as "Mast Magan".[30]
He has also recorded songs in electronic dance music and synth-pop, including "Sooraj Dooba Hain" and "Ghungroo".[31][20]
He has collaborated with composers including A. R. Rahman, Pritam, and Vishal–Shekhar.[32]
Public image and influences
Musical influences
Singh has cited a range of musical influences spanning Hindi film music, ghazal traditions, and contemporary international genres. He has acknowledged Kishore Kumar as a formative influence, particularly noting his versatility and vocal style.[33]
He has also cited Mohit Chauhan and Atif Aslam among contemporary influences. Singh has described playback singer KK as a significant artistic influence and has paid tribute to him in performances following his death.[34]
His musical influences also include ghazal artists such as Ghulam Ali, Jagjit Singh, and Mehdi Hassan. He has expressed appreciation for international acts including Coldplay and has indicated interest in collaborating with artists such as Norah Jones.[35]
Public image
Singh is known for maintaining a relatively low public profile despite his commercial success. Indian media have frequently characterised him as a “small-town” artist who rose to prominence in Hindi cinema from Jiaganj.[36]
His limited media presence and infrequent television appearances, including a guest appearance on The Kapil Sharma Show in 2016, have been described as reflective of his reserved and private nature.[37]
He has stated that he previously avoided playing his own songs in his personal space in order to maintain a distinction between his professional work and private life.[38]
He has also stated that he engages minimally with social media and prefers that audience feedback be mediated through his team.[39]
Industry commentary
In the 2020s, Singh commented on structural issues within the music industry, particularly concerning compensation practices for singers. In a 2023 interview, he criticised practices in which vocalists record songs without receiving adequate remuneration.[40][38]
Impact and recognition
Singh's career has been associated with developments in the Hindi film music industry, particularly a renewed emphasis on melody-driven playback singing. In 2025, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honour, for his contributions to the arts.[41]
Industry appraisal
Music director Pritam has described Singh as a technically proficient and collaborative musician in recording sessions.[42] A. R. Rahman has described him as a "reckless musician" who challenged industry norms by working from his hometown rather than Mumbai, and has expressed admiration for his artistic growth.[43]
Fellow playback singers have also commented on his vocal abilities. Armaan Malik stated that Singh's work has had a significant impact on the industry and highlighted his contributions across styles.[44] Jubin Nautiyal has credited him with influencing contemporary playback singing styles,[45] while Vishal Mishra has commented on the emotional quality of Singh’s songs.[46] Sonu Nigam has also commented on his technical proficiency in public discussions.[47]
Peer and international recognition
Indian rappers have also commented on Singh's influence. Rapper Badshah referred to him as "Sadiyon mein ek" (one in a century) in response to his career developments,[48] while Raftaar has commented on his prominence within the industry.[49]
International artist Ed Sheeran has described Singh as one of the most talented musicians he has worked with and has spoken about being impressed by his voice after hearing "Tum Hi Ho".[50] He later collaborated with Singh on the track "Sapphire" and recalled visiting Singh's hometown during its production.[51]
Commercial and cultural impact
Singh's commercial success is reflected in digital streaming metrics; by April 2026, he became the most-followed artist on Spotify globally, with over 177 million followers.[52] In 2025, his win for "Sajni" at the 70th Filmfare Awards marked his eighth Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer, equalling the record held by Kishore Kumar.[53]
His popularity has extended beyond the music industry, with public figures from other fields expressing admiration for his work. Cricketer Virat Kohli has described himself as a fan of Singh's music and praised his voice in media interactions.[54]
International publications have noted his global touring presence, including performances at venues such as London's The O2 Arena.[27] From 2019 to 2025, he remained the most-streamed artist in India for seven consecutive years.[55]
Personal life
Family
Singh was born to a Punjabi Sikh father, Surinder Kakkar Singh, and a Bengali Hindu mother, Aditi Singh.[56] His mother, who influenced his early musical interests, died on 20 May 2021 at the age of 52 due to complications from a cerebral stroke.[57]
In January 2014, Singh married Koel Roy in a private ceremony at Tarapith, West Bengal; both had previously been divorced.[58]
Lifestyle and residence
Despite his prominence, Singh is known for maintaining a relatively low public profile. He resides primarily in his hometown of Jiaganj rather than Mumbai. He is locally known by the nickname "Shomu" and has been reported to participate in community activities and use local modes of transport.[59]
His residence has also been visited by public figures. In February 2025, British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran visited Singh in Jiaganj, where they were seen travelling through the town together.[60] This was followed by visits from Dutch DJ Martin Garrix in March 2025 and actor Aamir Khan in February 2026 in connection with professional collaborations.[61]
Philanthropy
Singh is involved in philanthropic activities through the Tatwamasi Foundation. His initiatives are focused in the Murshidabad district, where he has been associated with projects including a multi-specialty hospital, a music academy, and a sports complex.[56]
Interests
Singh has expressed interest in sports, particularly badminton and football. He supports the English football club Manchester United and has identified Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and Saina Nehwal among his favourite sportspersons.[62]
Discography
Concerts, tours and events
2013–2015: Early career and international debut
Following his commercial breakthrough in 2013, Singh began performing live extensively. In September 2013, he performed at the Dubai Music Week Bollywood Night alongside Harshdeep Kaur, featuring songs including "Kabira". On 10 November 2013, he headlined the "Xpressions" festival at the Xavier Institute in Odisha.[63]
By 2014, he had established a presence across major Indian cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bangalore. His performances during this period incorporated a range of musical styles, including ghazal, folk, and pop.
In January 2015, Singh made an international appearance in Dubai accompanied by a 50-piece Grand Symphony Orchestra from London.[64] He also performed at venues including the MMRDA Grounds in Mumbai and the Siri Fort Auditorium in New Delhi. His performance at IIT Kharagpur's Spring Fest in January 2015 drew a large audience.
2016–2018: Orchestral collaborations and US tour
From 2016, Singh began incorporating symphony orchestras into his live performances. In February 2016, he performed at the Dubai World Trade Centre with an orchestra,[65] and later performed at the Rajasthan Day celebrations at the Albert Hall Museum in Jaipur.[66] That year, he also performed in Chandigarh and at AFAS Live in Amsterdam.[67][68]
In 2017, Singh undertook a tour of the United States, performing in cities including Dallas, Chicago, Newark, and Washington, D.C. The tour featured a symphony orchestra and was attended by large audiences.[69] He also collaborated with MTV and Wizcraft International for the "MTV India Tour" (2017–2018), performing in cities including Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai.[70]
2019–2021: North American tours and pandemic period
In 2019, Singh undertook a North American tour, performing in multiple cities including venues such as the Prudential Center in Newark and the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.[71] He also performed at the Lusail Sports Arena in Qatar.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he participated in virtual events. In June 2021, he collaborated with Facebook and GiveIndia for a live-streamed relief concert supporting pandemic response efforts in India, which received significant viewership and raised funds.[72] He resumed live performances in November 2021 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
2022–2026: Arena tours and global performances
In 2022, Singh began a series of international tours across the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia.[73] He also performed a tribute to Lata Mangeshkar on the television special 'Naam Reh Jayegaa' in June 2022.[74]
Between 2024 and 2026, Singh continued to perform at large-scale venues. In August 2024, he became the first South Asian artist to headline Manchester’s Co-op Live, the UK’s largest indoor arena.[75] Following a series of performances in India in 2025, he announced a "World Tour 2026–27", with scheduled performances at venues including the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.[76]
Awards and nominations
Singh has received numerous awards and honours in recognition of his work in Indian playback singing. In 2025, he was conferred the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, by the Government of India for his contributions to the arts.[77]
As of 2026, he has received two National Film Awards, for "Binte Dil" (Padmaavat) at the 66th National Film Awards in 2019 and "Kesariya" (Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva) at the 69th National Film Awards in 2023.[78]
Singh has won eight Filmfare Awards, equalling the record set by Kishore Kumar. His wins include a sequence of five consecutive awards from 2016 to 2020. His eighth award was for "Sajni" (Laapataa Ladies) at the 70th Filmfare Awards in 2025.[79] His first Filmfare Award was for "Tum Hi Ho" in 2014.
Internationally, Singh has also achieved high rankings on digital music platforms. As of April 2026, he is among the most-followed artists on Spotify, with over 177 million followers.[80] He has also been recognised for his live performances, including receiving the Wizcraft Honour for Best Live Performer and being listed among the top performers at the SSE Arena, Wembley, in the 2016 SSE Live Awards.[81]
Throughout his career, he has also received multiple Mirchi Music Awards, Global Indian Music Academy Awards (GiMA), and Stardust Awards for his work on films such as Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Roy, and Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva.[82]
