Arijit Singh

Arijit Singh Arijit Singh
Born	(1987-04-25) 25 April 1987 Jiaganj, West Bengal, India
Nationality	Indian
Occupations	Singer Music composer Music programmer Music producer Recordist Live Performer
Spouse(s)	Koyel Singh (divorced.2013) Koyel Roy (married.2014)
Children	2
Musical career
Genres	Playback Singing Filmi Pop EDM Ghazal Classical
Instrument(s)	Vocals Guitar Piano Tabla

Arijit Singh is an Indian musician, singer, composer, music producer, recordist and a music programmer. He predominantly sings in Hindi and Bengali, but has also lent his voice to various other Indian languages. Singh is regarded as one of the most versatile and successful singers in the History of Indian Music and Hindi Cinema.

At the start of his singing career, he received nominations for the Upcoming Male Vocalist of the Year award at the 2013 Mirchi Music Awards for renditions of "Phir Le Aya Dil" and "Duaa", winning the award for the latter. Singh received widespread recognition with the release of "Tum Hi Ho" and "Chahun Main Ya Naa" in 2013.

Life and career beginnings

Life

Arijit was born on 25 April 1987 in Jiaganj, Murshidabad, West Bengal to a Punjabi father and a Bengali mother. He initiated training in music from his house, since his maternal grandmother used to sing and his maternal aunt was trained in Indian classical music. His maternal uncle also played the tabla. He also learnt music from his mother who sung and played the tabla. For studies, he went to Raja Bijay Singh High School and later Sripat Singh College, a University of Kalyani affiliate. According to him he "was a decent student, but cared more about music". His inclination towards music led his parents to decide on training him professionally. He was taught Indian classical music by Rajendra Prasad Hazari and trained in tabla by Dhirendra Prasad Hazari while Birendra Prasad Hazari taught him Rabindra Sangeet and pop music. At the age of 3 he started training under Hazari brothers, and at the age of 9, he got a scholarship from the government for training in vocals in Indian classical music.

During his growing up days he used to listen to Mozart, Beethoven and Bengali classical music. Arijit idolised musicians like Ghulam Ali Khan, Ustad Rashid Khan, Zakir Hussain and Anand Chatterjee. He also enjoyed listening to Kishore Kumar, Hemant Kumar and Manna Dey.

Singh married Koyel Singh, a resident of the Nehaliapara area of Jiaganj but they divorced in 2013. In 2014 he married Koyel Roy, a childhood friend. He has two children.

Early career

Arijit'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. Though he approached the finals of Fame Gurukul, but got eliminated at 6th position by audience polling.

During the show, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali recognised his talent and made him sing "Yun Shabnami" a song scheduled to be used in his upcoming film Saawariya, However, during the filmmaking process as the filmscript changed the song was no longer required and it was never released. Similarly after the show Fame Gurukul, 'Kumar Taurani' the head of Tips recognised his potential and talent and signed him for an Album. However, the album was never released.

After Fame Gurukul, he participated in another reality show 10 Ke 10 Le Gaye Dil, which he won He choose to settle at Mumbai in the year 2006 and decided to freelance, staying in a rented room in the Lokhandwala area of Mumbai. He invested the prize money of "10 ke 10 Le Gaye Dil" show in building his own recording studio, where he started composing the music and singing pieces for advertisements, news channels and radio stations. It was at that time that he, lacking any opportunities at singing, decided to become a Music Producer Subsequently, Arijit spent a part of his early musical career as a Music Programmer and Music Producer to music directors like Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Vishal-Shekhar, Mithoon, Monty Sharma and Pritam. As per him assisting Music Directors was the only way for him to survive in a city like Mumbai. While working with other composers he used to supervise the vocals, chorus section etc. but it was while working with Pritam, that he started to produce and programme music by himself.

About his early life struggles, he said: - "One has to suffer pain to reach their destination, those days when I failed to get work, I thought about quitting and going back in my hometown, but I realised that one should concentrate on one's work no matter what happens". Regarding his early musical career's journey and his moving from the small village of Jiaganj to a city like Mumbai he later said: - Mumbai is a place which is made up of small town boys and girls who come to Mumbai to try their luck, but what counts is "Hardwork".

Singing career

2010–13: Early releases and Aashiqui 2

In 2010, Singh started working with Pritam Chakraborty on three films—Golmaal 3, Crook and Action Replayy., starting with singing scratches on Pritam's insistence. Arijit's debut as a singer in the film industry came at the Telugu Film Industry with the film Kedi with the song "Neeve Na Neeve Na" the music was composed by Sandeep Chowta. In 2011, Singh made his Bollywood music debut with the Mithoon-composition, "Phir Mohabbat" from Murder 2, which though recorded 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, Arijit dubbed for Pritam in three other films released during the year: Players, Cocktail and Barfi!.

He also lent his voice to Chirantan Bhatt in 1920: Evil Returns for the song "Uska Hi Banana". "Glamsham" in its review of the song "Uska Hi Banana" wrote that Arijit has sung the song intensely, emotionally and passionately and at a very high pitch.

He lend his vocals for Vishal–Shekhar's composition "Duaa" in Shanghai, where the song "Duaa" from the latter fetched him Mirchi Music Award for Upcoming Male Playback Singer award and was nominated in the same category for "Phir Le Aya Dil" from Barfi!.

Arijit's major breakthrough came in the Aashiqui 2 where he was a lead and key vocalist and got prominence with the release of the song "Tum Hi Ho" from Aashiqui 2 (2013). The song fetched him several awards and nominations including Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer.

Arijit further allied with Pritam, singing "Dilliwaali Girlfriend", "Kabira" and "Ilahi" for Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. Other than rendering the encore version of "Kabira", he also associated himself as the music producer of the track along with "Balam Pichkari" from the same film. Singh has sung the song "Main Rang Sharbaton Ka"; a composition of Pritam.

Moreover, he dubbed 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 and Sanjay Leela Bhansali in the song "Kabhi Jo Baadal Barse" from Jackpot for the former and the semi-classical number, "Laal Ishq" from Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela for the latter. Later, Singh picked "Kabhi Jo Baadal Barse" as one of his personal favourite 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 of Main Tera Hero and the song "Raat Bhar" from Heropanti for the former and dubbed the Hindi version of the song "Medhuvaagathaan" from Kochadaiiyaan titled "Dil Chaspiya" for the latter. He rendered three re-mixed songs; Amit Trivedi's "Hungama Ho Gaya", Sharib–Toshi's "Samjhawan" and Arko Pravo Mukherjee's "Aaj Phir". Singh worked with Vishal Bhardwaj, recording two songs from Haider and with Sachin–Jigar for "Jaise Mera Tu" in Happy Ending. The year marks his collaboration with many other music directors including Tony Kakkar and Palash Muchhal. During the year, he provided vocals for Mithoon in "Humdard" and "Hai Dil Ye Mera", Vishal–Shekhar in "Manwa Laage", Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy in "Sajde", Sharib–Toshi in two songs of Zid and Pritam Chakraborty in three tracks of Holiday which was arranged by Singh himself. Gannguli-composed Muskurane garnered him most nominations in 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-composed for Haider by Vishal Bhardwaj—as his most favourite track from the year.

2015

In 2015, Singh made his Tamil debut 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, written by Kumaar, it was dubbed as the "Party Anthem of the Year". During the year 2015, he sang a duet song "Agar Tum Saath Ho with Alka Yagnik, from the movie Tamasha which is composed by music composer AR Rahman written by Irshad Kamil. During the year, he again worked with Amaal Mallik in 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 title song of the film and "Baatein Ye Kabhi Na" for the former and "Tu Har Lamha" for the latter. He collaborated with Gannguli on two other projects; "Teri Khushboo" from Mr. X and the title track of Hamari Adhuri Kahani. Besides working with Bhatt for "Teri Meri Kahaani" and Sachin–Jigar for "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 marks the first collaboration of Singh and Himesh Reshammiya, with the song "Baaton Ko Teri" from All Is Well. Furthermore, he voiced Bhardwaj in "Shaam Ke Saaye" and "Kya Pataa" from Talvar and Drishyam respectively, while he performed Phantom's "Saware" and "Sooiyan" from Guddu Rangeela. Apart from recording for soundtracks of the film, Singh released his second promotional single during the year. Titled, "Chal Waha Jaate Hain", the song is composed by Mallik, featuring Tiger Shroff and Kriti Sanon. Recently, Arijit made his Marathi debut with the song "Yaar Illahi – Qawwali" from the film Katyar Kaljat Ghusali.

In 2015, Chinmayi Sripada has recorded a romantic duet titled 'Sooiyan', written by Irshad Kamil and Amit Trivedi, with Singh for the Bollywood film Guddu Rangeela. Arijit was one of the key Singer in the Soundtrack of the 2015 Movie Dilwale, 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 good response. He sang the dance song "Tukur Tukur" from the movie Dilwale which was well-received, composed by Pritam and written by Amitabh Bhattacharya. He rendered the "Janam Janam" song from the movie Dilwale.

2016

In the early 2016, Arijit has sung "Yeh Fitoor Mera" song written by Swanand Kirkire composed by Amit Trivedi. Firstpost in its review acclaimed the composition of Amit Trivedi, it remarked "Yeh Fitoor Mera" as a trademark song from the album of Fitoor. Firstpost commended Singh's singing.

In 2016, Arijit made his Gujarati debut with the song "Satrangi Re" from the film Wrong Side Raju.

Some of his remarkable Hindi songs of 2016 is "Soch Na Sake" which is a duet with Tulsi Kumar from the movie Airlift, composed by Amaal Mallik written by Kumaar. The song "Sanam Re" from the title track of Sanam Re Movie which and is composed and written by Mithoon. He sang Bolna song from the movie Kapoor and Sons. He has sung the song "Itni Si Baat Hain" a duet with Antara Mitra composed by Pritam Chakraborty written by Manoj Yadav.

Arijit was the key vocalist in Raaz Reboot soundtrack and rendered "Lo Man liya" song, composed by Jeet Ganguly written by Kausar Munir from the movie Raaz Reboot. He additionally sang haunting melody "Raaz Aakhein Teri" and "Yaad Hain Na" from the same film Raaz Reboot.

He sung duet song 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.

He has sung the title track Ae Dil Hai Mushkil which is composed by Pritam Chakraborty and written by Amitabh Bhattacharya. It was liked by masses. He sang "Channa Mereya", which garnered over 110 million views.

He rendered another chartbuster hit "Nashe Si Chadh Gayi" from Befikre The promotional video song "Nashe Si Chad Gayi" garnered over 330 million views on YouTube.

He additionally 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". Indian film actor Varun Dhawan acclaimed the song Naina.

2017

In the year 2017, he lent his voice for Shah Rukh Khan and rendered a romantic song duet with Harshdeep Kaur named "Zaalima", composed by Pritam's JAM8 and written by Amitabh Bhattacharya from the movie Raees. Shahrukh Khan shared multiple teasers of the song before its full release.

He provided his vocals for the Salim-Sulaiman's compositions "Kuch Parbat Hilayein" and "Babul Mora" written by Amitabh Bhattacharya from the inspirational flick Poorna.

He rendered "Alvida" from the film Rangoon, Deccan Chronicle in the music review of Rangoon wrote about Alvida and praised its singing.

He also sung the song "Roke Na Ruke Naina", composed by Amaal Mallik written by Kumaar from the film Badrinath Ki Dulhania.

Arijit sang the chorus song "Namami Brahmaputra" (English: I Bow to the Brahmaputra). It was 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. Arijit has additionally sung "Haareya", a song from the Hindi movie Meri Pyaari Bindu. He has sung the song "Murshida" from the Movie Begum Jaan, the song was written by Rahat Indori and composed by Anu Malik.

Arijit sang "Phir Bhi Tumko Chaahunga", the song is composed by Mithoon, the lyrics are penned by Manoj Muntashir and it is from the soundtrack of the movie Half Girlfriend. Zee Music Company has released it before the planned date due to public demand. He additionally sang "Pal Bhar" which is a reprise and extended version of Phir Bhi Tumko Chahunga song. Pal Bhar is written by Muntashir and composed by Mithoon.

He has sung "Ik Vaari Aa", composed by Pritam, lyrics are penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya. The song is from the soundtrack of Indian film Raabta.

He additionally sang "Tera Hoke Rahoon" song composed by (Kaushik, Akash, Guddu) of JAM8 , the lyrics are written by Bipin Das.

Arijit lend his vocals and played acoustic guitar with Roland Fernandes for the song "Lambiyaan si Judaiyaan" composed by JAM8 and written by Amitabh Bhattacharya, the song is from the soundtrack of the film Raabta.

He sang "O Saathi", with the music composed and lyrics written by Mithoon from the Hindi film Shab.

Arijit sang the dance song, Main Tera Boyfriend, with co-singers Neha Kakkar. It is written by Kumar and composed by Sourav Roy.

Arijit was the lead singer of the Jagga Jasoos Soundtrack. He lent his vocals for the dance song "Ullu ka Pattha" composed by Pritam written by Amitabh Bhattacharya. He sung a fun song titled "Galti Se Mistake", it is written by Amitabh Bhattacharya. He provided his vocals for the Pritam's composition "Jhumri Talaiyya" written by Amitabh Bhattacharya. Arijit sang "Phir Wahi" song from Jagga Jasoos composed by Pritam and written by Amitabh Bhattacharya.

He lent his vocals to Shah Rukh Khan and sung the Dance song "Beech Beech Main" from the film Jab Harry Met Sejal with the additional vocals provided by Shefali Alvares and Shalmali Kholgade. He has lent his vocals for the song "Hawayein"; composed by Pritam Chakraborty and written by Irshad Kamil from the film "Jab Harry Met Sejal". Indian media wrote that Singh's vocals in the song was mesmerising.

Arijit has sung the songs "Jaana Ve" and "Aaj Zid" the music was composed by Mithoon and written by Sayeed Quadri.

He also lent his voice to mesmerising Main hoon saath tere from Shaadi mein zaroor ana. Singh lent his vocals and also made a visual appearance for the music video of the song "Pal"; featured in the film Monsoon Shootout. Singh's voice texture in the song garnered favourable reviews from the Indian media.

Artistry

Vocals and musical style

In an interview with The Times of India, Singh mentioned that he has a "natural voice" and "I don't do anything special to maintain my voice". Shekhar Ravjiani from 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 identifies his voice as "raw and grainy", whereas "India Today's" Moeena Halim identifies his voice as soulful and baritone. while International Business Times consider his voice "soothing". Koimoi, in a review, commended his voice. Singh describes his voice as "nasal" and he believed that his voice matches with all the actors. Bollywood Hungama, in a review of Aashiqui 2, described Singh as a singer with a "rich texture and depth in his voice". However, they advised Singh to "sing smoothly", without heavy breaths in between. NewsX acclaimed Singh's voice.

In an interview, Singh mentioned that he would like to explore classical music style the most. He also stated that he loves singing folk music, and likes all genres except for heavy metal music—since it is too loud for him. Singh is most commonly known for his romantic songs and was associated with the tag "romantic singer". Regarding that, Singh said the 'tag' of romantic singer is unintentional, as he hasn't planned his career, he is happy with the songs that come in his way and tries to do level best. Singh believed that he does not care about the fact that doing just one type of song is "hampering" his growth. However, through his career, he explores different musical style, including; a club party song "Raat Bhar", an electronic "Blame The Night", a Punjabi Folk "Samjhawan", a Sufi or Qawwali song "Mast Magan" and a ghazal titled "Gulon Mein Rang Bhare". Regarding the variety, Hindustan Times stated; "he can sing nice fun songs as well". According to Krsna, in today's times, "A vocalist needs to have all genres of music at his fingertips and Arijit has that". While reviewing the soundtrack of Main Tera Hero, Bollywood Hungama perceived that he "shines" in the form, which is a "totally different setup" from what we have heard him in before.

While reviewing the song "Uska Hi Banana", "Komoi" wrote Arijit's voice is "marvellous" whereas Glamsham wrote he sung it intensely, emotionally and passionately. Reviewing the emotional song "Chunar" dedicated to a mother from "Any Body Can Dance 2" Movie, Komoi wrote Singh's voice truly converse the pain and the Indian musical arrangements work their magic along with the emotionally rich lyrics. The song finds an instant connect with the listener. Singh's "mispronunciation" of the phonetic 'ta' syllable was criticised by India West while reviewing the song "Chunar". Similarly, Bollywood Hungama considered his pronunciation "flawed" in the title track of Khamoshiyan. However the Producer of the film Khamoshiyan, Mahesh Bhatt said, "It is a sensational song. One of the best songs that I have heard in my lifetime and its poetry is simply brilliant." While reviewing the rest of his tracks in the film, The Indian Express, felt that Singh's rendition of the song sounds as "he's on autopilot", though Rajiv Vijayakar from Bollywood Hungama felt his rendition is "emotional". While Reviewing the song "Soch Na Sake" with the music composed by Amaal Mallik from the movie Airlift Bollywood Hungama acclaimed Singh's rendition of the song. Arijit Insists the presence of lyricists in recording sessions for better understanding the relevance of the words and feelings behind it. Arijit remarked his favourite lyricists to be Irshad Kamil, Sayeed Quadri and Amitabh Bhattacharya. While Interacting with Subhash Ghai at a Question and answers session in Whistling Woods International Campus on Arts and technique of singing at the 5th Veda Cultural Hub, Arijit said "Singing is like talking. It is an art of expression. There are other factors too but they all follow on once you understand your lyrics and rhythm well. There are no rules. You just have to practice well." Sharing his childhood memories he said, "I mostly practised modern Bengali and Indian classical music. My Guru Rajendra Prasad Hazari inspired me to practice more of modern singing as according to him Indian classical was dying."

In media

Singh has often been portrayed by the Indian media as a "small town boy who made it big".

Humanitarian works

Arijit Singh has played a great role in the Bollywood Singing career of one of his contemporaries today Ash King. Regarding Arijit's help Ash king told to Times of India,- "When I met Arijit in London through a mutual friend, he wasn't a star singer yet. I knew he'd be big someday. When I came back (to Kolkata) in 2010, Arijit invited me to Mumbai and recommended me to Pritam for the song I Love You and Te Amo. He has been a great motivating force."

Singh stated 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. Singh said that NGOs generally have got a bad reputation because people think its meant to draw off money and he wants to get out of that zone. His NGO aims to comprise activities like bloodbank 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.

In an Interview, he spoke about his desire to work for people - "I try and help people in whichever way I can. I owned an NGO long time ago which is now turned into something which helps the people in whichever way they can. For example, we collected a lot of things for victims of the Nepal earthquake. The biggest problem is that we are not ready for anything bad that happens, be it during disasters or helping people post one. For example, the first earthquake in Nepal happened on 25 April and it took me a while to collect something as basic as matchboxes, candles and so on. People basically are not ready to help others. I firmly feel that we over here need a lot of awareness when it comes to population and at times I even feel bad for the Government."

Public image and influences

File:Arijit Singh in "Ebela Ami Amar Moto Samman Award 2013".jpg

Singh at a concert

In early 2013, Singh appeared sporting a "long-haired and bearded look". He reasoned that he did not get time to "cut his hair or shave" when he is in Mumbai.

In an interview with The Times of India, Singh said he did not think much about his public image. As he performs live he want to look as fresh he can and he wants to look more like a musician than a pop star.

Singh felt that his passion for singing is the biggest influence in the music career; "It's not like that I was influenced by anyone to enter the industry. I always dreamt of becoming a singer".

Though he is being inspired by many artists, Singh named KK as his favourite singer along with Ayushmann Khurrana. He named Pritam Chakraborty, Vishal–Shekhar, Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, Amit Trivedi, Mithoon and A. R. Rahman as his favourite music directors. Singh has idolized Ghulam Ali, Jagjit Singh and Mehdi Hassan. He also had shared his fondness for Kishore Kumar and Mohit Chauhan, for whom he is often compared to. Singh has said that "Chauhan is a great singer, a great musician and a big icon in India. Being compared to him makes me tremendously happy."

In an interview to "Filmbeat" in April 2013, he declared that he is the biggest fan of Singer Krishnakumar Kunnath (KK). His desire to sing for Aamir Khan came to reality in 2016 with the song "Naina" from Dangal. Regarding the comparison made with Atif Aslam, Singh stated; "I respect [Aslam] as I do every individual musician and artist". In an interview with The Indian Express, Singh stated that he loves the work of Shalmali Kholgade, Shefali Alvares and Irfan. He also mentioned that his "current favourite" singer is Chinmayi. In 2016 he appeared at popular chat and comedy show "The Kapil Sharma Show" aired on Sony TV India, the show host Kapil Sharma explained the difficulties that he had, to bring Arijit on the show due to his shy nature.

Personal life

Hobbies and Other Works

According to Singh, apart from being a singer, he is a badminton player, a writer, a movie freak and a documentary maker. He also likes cricket, football and his favourite sportmen are Sachin Tendulkar, Lance Klusener and Jonty Rhodes.He is an ardent football fan, his favourite teams are Brazil and Argentina and favourite footballers are Lionel Messi, Thomas Muller. In Badminton, he likes Saina Nehwal.

Arijit enjoys listening to retro songs by Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi and the classical and ghazal songs along with the music of Coldplay. He expressed his desire to work with artist Norah Jones someday as he loves her music.He says he is uncomfortable with all the attention that fame has brought. In a concert at Emaar Boulder Hills, he stated: "If I want to eat fish, I want to be free to go and buy it myself in the market. I don't like these interviews and photos".

In August 2015, Singh claimed that he received an extortion call from gangster Ravi Pujari, who demanded to give ₹50 million (US$600,000). Ravi Pujari, complimented Arijit for having a "Good voice" and asked whether he is interested to do business with him, as per police, Ravi Pujari called Arijit on behalf of an organizer who wanted to do a show with Arijit at a lower rate, he asked Arijit to do some shows for free or either pay 50 million rupees. and it came to know that Ravi Pujari didn't threaten him, although Arijit got feared. Though Singh refused to file a complaint, Oshiwara police made a diary entry of the matter.

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. Singh also has an NGO named "Let There Be Light" which works for his locality in Jiaganj and for Below Poverty Line (BPL)community. Singh resides in Andheri, Mumbai.

In a conversation with Hindustan Times in the December 2016, Arijit said I have always aspired to become a musician and singer, I had gone through a lot of hard-work, but I am satisfied, the little share that I have got is because of hard-work. I had always liked living my life in a quiet and peaceful manner. My fans took a considerable amount of time to understand this fact. But with the rise of social media, it too had become difficult. Now I am always noticed and people try to reach out to me which is a different feeling. Overall, the change is positive. All of my fans are very supportive, which is very helpful for a singer. He remarked Papon, Shalmali Kholgade, Shefali Alvares, and almost all of his contemporaries as his favourite.

In an Interview given to Mid-day in the December 2016, Arijit said "Independent Music in India needs to be redefined" and he is working on some "Independent Music Projects" but he believes that Bollywood Music Overpowers Independent Music, and there is lack of infrastructure and platform for the Independent Music in India, and it is difficult to produce Independent(Non-Film) Music in India.

Impact and recognition

In an Interview Music Director & Composer, Pritam said - Arijit is a good singer, a smart musician and an intelligent musician as well.

Vishal Dadlani from the music director duo Vishal-Shekhar said Arijit Singh is a phenomenal singer. Dadlani in another interview 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 to The Hindu said- "Arijit Singh is very special".

Shreya Ghoshal remarked that he "is versatile and has a soulful voice".

Shankar Mahadevan said- I know 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".

Discography

Main article: List of songs recorded by Arijit Singh

Some of his popular songs include "Channa Mereya", "Tum Hi Ho", "Phir Bhi Tumko Chahunga", "Uska Hi Banana", "Aayat", "Raabta", "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" etc.

Awards and nominations

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Arijit Singh

Arijit was awarded the "Wizcraft Honour for the Best Live Performer". Singh was one of the top 10 artists from across the world to be featured at "The SSE Arena, Wembley" in the "SSE Live Awards 2016".

Singh has received four Mirchi Music Awards, three Filmfare Awards, a Stardust Award, an IIFA Award, two Zee Cine Awards and two Screen Awards. He received nine awards from ten nominations for the song "Tum Hi Ho" from 2013 film Aashiqui 2. He also won the prestigious (IIFA) award in the category of "The Best Male Singer" for the song "Tum Hi Ho" in 2014.

In September 2014, The National Indian Students Union UK honoured Singh with "Youth Icon – Music Award". Rhea Ranjan from the Union stated; "Recognizing and awarding artists like Mr. Arijit Singh for his work is important to us as it celebrates Indian culture and its transformation but also the immense influence and involvement that the youth has on this culture". He was named the most popular artist of 2014 by Hungama Digital Media Entertainment after winning an online poll conducted by music streaming website hungama.com. Forbes India magazine declared him 34th on its 2014 celebrity 100 list. In the Forbes India Magazine 2016, "100 Celebrity List" Forbes placed him at rank 15.

At the 7th Mirchi Music Awards 2015, He was honoured with the award of the "Best male vocalist" for his rendition of the song "Samjhawan". He was nominated for the 60th Filmfare Awards, held in 2015 under Best Male Playback Singer category for 2 songs "Mast Magan" and "Suno Na Sangemarmar". He was voted online as the Best Male Singer by the readers of the IBN Live for the song "Muskurane". He won Best Male Playback Singer award at the 61st Filmfare Awards, held in 2016 for the rendition of the song "Sooraj Dooba Hain".

The GiMA, Honoured him with awards for his rendition of the song Soch Na Sake, He was subsequently honoured for his rendition of the Most popular film and radio song Gerua, and the most streamed song Sanam Re. The Times of India Film Awards 2016, nominated him for his rendition of 3 songs Aayat , Chunar and Hamari Adhuri Kahani. In late 2016, Arijit received his first Stardust Award for Best Playback Singer (Male) for the song "Channa Mereya". In 2017, he was nominated at Mirchi Music Awards under Male Vocalist of The Year category for 4 songs "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil", "Channa Mereya", "Bolna" and "Nashe Si Chadh Gayi". He was eventually honoured with the award for the song "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil". He received couple of nominations under Male Playback Singer category for "Channa Mereya" and "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil film in various award ceremonies in late 2016 and 2017.

He won the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the song Tum Hi Ho in 2014. He also won the (IIFA) award in the category of "The Best Male Singer" for the song "Tum Hi Ho" in 2014. At the 7th Mirchi Music Awards 2015, He was awarded the "Best male vocalist" for his rendition of the song "Samjhawan". Arijit had won IBN Live Movie Award for the song "Muskurane" in the Best Playback Singer category. He won Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the song "Sooraj Dooba Hain" in 2016. The GiMA awarded him for his rendition of the song Soch Na Sake, He was awarded for the song "Gerua", and the most streamed song "Sanam Re". He was awarded the award of "Best Male Singer" for the song "Channa Mereya at the Stardust Awards 2016. In 2017, at the 62nd Filmfare Awards, he won Best Male Playback Singer Award for the title song Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Arijit won Male Vocalist of The Year award at 2017 Mirchi Music Awards for his rendition of "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil". He was awarded the Best Male Playback Singer award for the title song Ae Dil Hai Mushkil at Zee Cine Awards 2017.

At the 23rd Star Screen Awards Singh was awarded the title of "Best Male Playback" singer for his rendition of the song Zaalima and songs of Jagga Jasoos.

See also

• List of Indian playback singers

External links

• Arijit Singh at IMDb
• Arijit Singh Songs