After announcing his retirement from playback singing, Arijit Singh returned to the stage on Sunday for his first live performance in Kolkata. Sharing the stage with sitar maestro Anoushka Shankar and renowned percussionist Bikram Ghosh, Arijit delivered a mesmerizing set that had fans on their feet. Yet, at one point during the show, the singer candidly admitted, “I am very nervous.”
An Emotional Return
The performance at Netaji Indoor Stadium, packed with enthusiastic fans, marked an emotional moment for both Arijit and his audience. Since announcing he would no longer sing for films, fans have felt a tinge of sadness. During the show, Arijit paused amidst applause and said, “I am very nervous. Thank you for having me here.” He performed a 20-minute set alongside Anoushka Shankar and Bikram Ghosh, captivating the crowd with his charm and heartfelt renditions.
Highlight Performance: Maya Bhora Rati
One of the highlights of the evening was a stunning performance of the Bengali classic “Maya Bhora Rati”, originally sung by Laxmi Shankar and composed by the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar. Arijit’s soulful voice combined with Anoushka’s sitar and Bikram’s percussion created a spellbinding experience for the audience.
Sharing the Creative Journey
On stage, Arijit also shared anecdotes about his time at Anoushka Shankar’s home in London, discussing the creative moments they shared while composing music together. The concert included a duet on “Traces of You”, composed by Anoushka Shankar and originally performed with Norah Jones.
Social Media Reactions
Fans and fellow artists have been raving about the performance online. Anoushka Shankar shared a video of the show with the caption:
“So much to say later, but for now, my heart!!! Witnessing the one and only Arijit Singh breathe life into a rarely heard Bengali song of my father and sharing his new music with Kolkata was truly unforgettable.”
Fans flooded social media with praise, calling Arijit “pure talent” and “one and only”. Comments included:
- “This is godlike! I’ve always wanted to see this avatar.”
- “Hope he returns to pure classical singing, though it’s a tough path.”
- “Listening to Arijit makes you forget everything else. Keep singing like this!”
Retirement from Playback Singing
Arijit Singh surprised fans on 27 January by announcing his retirement from playback singing via a heartfelt Instagram post. He clarified that the decision was not sudden but came after long deliberation. While stepping away from film songs, he emphasized that he will continue to explore his creativity in other musical genres.
Upcoming Releases
Following his retirement, Arijit confirmed that a few of his previously recorded songs would still be released. Recently, his tracks “Ishq Ka Fever” and “Hum To Tere Liye The” for the film O Romeo were released, keeping fans connected to his music even after his retirement.
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