Arijit Singh

1987–04: Early 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 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 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 maestros like Ghulam Ali Khan, Ustad Rashid Khan, Zakir Hussain and Anand Chatterjee. He also used to listen film songs at home, and enjoyed listening to Kishore Kumar, Hemant Kumar and Manna Dey.

At his school, he was a favourite as he usually won prizes in every inter-school competition. After a point he stopped participating, as he believed in giving chances to new comers.

2005–09: Career beginnings

Arijit's musical career begun when his guru Rajendra Prasad Harjari 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. Initially hesitant to take the chance, Arijit joined the show since composer Shankar Mahadevan was included in the jury panel, as Mahadevan had classical background along with versatility. Though he approached the finals of Fame Gurukul, but got eliminated at 6th position due to the less audience votes. During the show gurukul, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali recognised his talent and spoke with him, Bhansali informed him that he is a "Great singer" whether he wins the show or not it doesn't matter, Bhansali made him sing "Yun Shabnami" a song which he was going to use in his the then upcoming film Saawariya, However, during the filmmaking process as the filmscript changed the song was no longer required and it was not utilised and never got released, after the show Bhansali lost contact with Arijit as he went back to his hometown. 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, in which he won after winning it, He went back to his hometown Jiaganj and came back to Mumbai in the year 2006 (aged 19) to settle and decided to struggle and freelance, during those days he stayed in a rented room in the Lokhandwala area of Mumbai. He invested prize money from winning "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. According to Arijit at that time he realized that he don't have opportunity in singing so he decided to diversify, and became Music Producer and subsequently spent a part of his early musical career as a Music Programmer and Music Producer to Music Composers and 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.

Working with other composers he used to supervise the vocals, chorus section, and file management, but while working with Pritam, he started to produce and programme music. 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 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".

2010–13: Early releases and Aashiqui 2

In 2010, Singh started working with Pritam Chakraborty on three films—Golmaal 3, Crook and Action Replayy. During the time, he started 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 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 Arijit have 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. The other songs he sung from Aashiqui 2 are, Meri Aashiqui with Palak Muchhal, and Chahun Main Yaa Na, composed by Jeet Ganguly. Milne Hai Mujhse Aayi composed by Jeet Ganguly, Hum Mar Jaayenge duet with Tulsi Kumar and a single Aasan Nahi Yahan.

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. Arijit considered the period as a "lean phase" which helped him in becoming a "better" musician. The duo collaborated with Shahid Kapoor, performing "Main Rang Sharbaton Ka" from Phata Poster Nikhla Hero and "Dhokha Dhadi" from R... Rajkumar. Moreover, he dubbed 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 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 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 favorite 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 favorite 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 in 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 for 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 sunged "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 sung 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 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 280 million views on YouTube.

He additionally sung "Naina" from Dangal in 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. Arijit sang a deut, "Kabhi Yaadon Mein", with Palak Muchhal. It was recreated by Abhijit Vaghani and featured Divya Khosla Kumar.

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 "Yeh Ishq Hai", a song composed by Vishal Bhardwaj and written by Gulzar from the Movie Rangoon He additionally sung "Alvida" song 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 sung the chorus song "Namami Brahmaputra" (English: I Bow to 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 sung "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 sung "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 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 sung "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 "Lambi 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 lend 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 sung "Phir Wahi" song from Jagga Jasoos composed by Pritam and written by Amitabh Bhattacharya.

He lend 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.

Arijit's Views on Independent Music in India

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.

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 common 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 haven't planned his career, he is happy with the songs that comes 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 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 practiced 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 popular culture

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

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt Spoken about Arijit to Forbes in 2014, He said- "Arijit is an expression of the 21st century. The youth sighs at his voice, His next song for us is the title track of Khamoshiyaan. When Alia Bhatt my daughter heard the song, she said it took her breath away. These emotions demonstrate the singer's contemporariness. He will be a major creative force to reckon within the years to come".

Prominent Music Director Indradeep Dasgupta said about Arijit - "Arijit haven't changed even after being the toast of the nation, he still prefers the streetside tea".

Bollywood Hungama wrote about Arijit in the end of 2016: "Arijit who was once a reality show contestant who had failed to emerge a winner then, but now he literally owns the music industry. Every music composer wants to works with him and every director wishes to have at least one Arijit number in their movie. And we totally understand this need now. The singer literally mesmerizes everyone when he take the mic and lends his soothing voice to a track. He has nailed all and that is the reason why all his tracks rank at the top of the music charts".

In an interview to The Hindu, Arijit's contemporary singer Neha Kakkar said - Singers like Mohammad Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar had defined music and had left behind their legacies. Like them Arijit Singh too fits in the same league.

Arijit Singh was one of the 3 Indian Artists, The other being Armaan Malik, Kapil Sharma who were featured in the top 10 artists from across the world at The SSE Arena, Wembley in the SSE Live Awards 2016.

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 some day. 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."

Media agencies wrote about Arijit - "Ask the shy singer about his dream project and his smile broadens. The man who has taken the industry by storm is a humble being and so are his dreams. Blessed with the most mesmerizing voice of the decade, Arijit would love to serve people through his NGO - Let There Be Light which works for the Below Poverty Line (BPL) community. Arijit said, I want to build up that NGO. I have thought of 3-4 songs for that project. I will make a video and a documentary film too for it. Generally NGOs have got a bad reputation, because people think its meant to siphon off money. I want to get out of that zone. The 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, stationary, etc to bpl children on a huge scale and seasonal human ground activities.

In an Interview he spoked 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

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 described himself as "horrible looking".

I haven't cared about my image till date and I don't want to do anything about it. If you are doing shows you have to look good, not jazzy. It's just that I want to look as fresh as I can. I like jeans and shirts. I want to look like a musician more 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 favorite singer along with Ayushmann Khurrana. He named Pritam Chakraborty, Vishal–Shekhar, Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, Amit Trivedi, Mithoon and A. R. Rahman as his favorite 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.

Musical roots

Singh first sang on stage at age four. When he was nine, he received a government scholarship in Indian classical singing. He has also studied voice with his guru, Rajendra Prasad Harjari, whom he had followed since he was three. In 2014, Singh said that he was still learning from Harjari, who died two years before.

Family

Singh was married to Koyel Singh, a resident of the Nehaliapara area of Jiaganj; they divorced in 2013. In 2014 he married Koyel Roy, a childhood friend. She is a writer, and he takes her with him when he travels. He has two children.

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 sportmens 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$780,000). 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 organiser who wanted to do show with Arijit at 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 threatened 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 lot of hardwork, but i am satisfied, the little share that I have got is because of hardwork. 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.

Impact and recognition

Lyricist Rajshekhar in a prolific interview to "Outlook" said something in Arijit's voice touches me, it reaches out.

In an Interview Music Director & Composer Pritam said - Arijit is a good singer, a smart musician and an intelligent musician as well, I'm extremely happy for him.

Singer KK said in an interview to GulfNews -I had known Arijit since his days at "Fame Gurukul" where he was one of the contestants, I always felt he was sharp and focused guy, I am very happy to see him where he is today.

In an Interview given to Times of India, Music composer Chirantan Bhatt said he is fan of Arijit's voice and Arijit is gracious.

Vishal Dadlani from the music director duo Vishal-Shekhar said Arijit Singh is a phenomenal singer. Dadlani in an 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.

Singer Pawni Pandey in a Prolific interview given to the Daily News and Analysis considered Arijit as an inspiration to the aspiring singers, She said - One need to work very hard, Arijit Singh has made a name for himself in today's time because of the skills that he possess and the hardwork that he had done. She further expressed her desire to sing duets with him.

Aditi Rao Hydari mentioned Arijit Singh as her favourite singer, she also added that "He is amazing".

Singer Shalmali Kholgade in the Mind Rocks Guwahati 2017 fest recalled her memories when she sunged a song composed by Pritam for the 2012 Indian film Cocktail ,which was recorded in Pritam's studio, where Arijit was also working,

She said;

No one knew about Arijit at that time. He was an immensely talented boy. He would just sit in the studio with a guitar. And I would be gazing at this marvel called Arijit Singh,"

Singer Shashaa Tirupati recorded the duet song Phir Bhi Tumko Chaahunga with Arijit, which was her first duet with him, about the experience, she said Arijit Singh is a "Phenomenal" and it's a Blessing to work with him. In an Interview to Pinkvilla, she said it is very difficult to be as talented as Arijit Singh.

Indian singer Armaan Malik wrote an open letter to his contemporary idol Arijit Singh on the occasion of his 30th birthday on Facebook and expressing his feelings about Singh's singing.

On the occasion of his birthday Actress Shraddha Kapoor wrote on Twitter,

"Happy birthday to the man whose voice gives us all goosebumps and fills us up with love."

One of his contemporary Atif Aslam, whose singing style is compared with that of Singh's, replied that he likes Singh's music and his compositions. He also said - "If God is Kind to someone we should also respect them; Arijit is been Blessed".

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali In an Interview to The Hindu said- "Arijit Singh is very special. I know him from the time he took part in the reality show 'Fame Gurukul'. I remember calling him up and telling him that even if he lost the competition, he is a great singer. I made him sing 'Yun Shabnami' from Saawariya, it never got used. He got eliminated from the show, got lost for a while and look at him now."

On May 2014 Music composer Salim Merchant wrote on Twitter "Recorded a song with the fabulous Arijit Singh, His Talent and Humility is Divine"

On February 14, 2015, Senior Indian Journalist Anjana Om Kashyap wrote on Twitter -This cannot be coincidence every song that I love listening is Arijit Singh's song, Truly Blessed Arijit Singh Is.

Indian Cricket Team's Test and One Day captain Virat Kohli wrote on twitter - "I am probably one of the biggest fans of Arijit Singh. Mesmerised by his talent and soulful voice. I am short of words actually"

Singh's work has received praise from several artists. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan mentioned that he likes Singh's singing along with Ankit Tiwari's.

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

Composer Anu Malik noted Singh as one of his favorites among the "current lot of singers".

Roop Kumar Rathod also picked Singh as a singer he admires from the current music generations.

Aditi Singh Sharma describing him as "today's king of romance" praised his recording skills; "Arijit recording me had made it so much easier for me to sing the songs. I can't explain this in words, but whoever has recorded with him would know what I am talking about. He is a huge reason why I was able to sing songs with such ease. It's what helped me bring in the right attitude into the song."

Senior singer Shaan commented on Arijit, He said -"He is doing very well. When a talented person goes ahead it's a good thing for music."

Kunal Ganjawala considered him as "a great gift to the industry".

Richa Sharma mentioned that Singh is her favorite singer from the current lot; "He sings very well".

One of his contemporaries, Mohammad Irfan Ali in an Interview in 2014, said- Arijit "is one of the biggest singers in India right now and if people are comparing me with him, then I take it positively. I really appreciate his singing and love his work".

According to Jubin Nautiyal, Arijit Singh has a "knack of giving any song a magical feel",and he loves listening to him

Singer and renowned music composer 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.

Norway's musician John Leo selected Singh as his favorite singer from "these days".

Actor Suyyash Rai affirmed that he "developed an interest in singing" because of Atif Aslam and Singh.

Singer Hariharan commented about Singh; "Today's youngsters have such creative minds and so many ideas that it's refreshing".

Suresh Wadkar praised him as one of the "great singers of this generation".

In a profile interview from Outlook, lyricist Swanand Kirkire declared that no one in recent times has seen such a "spell of success".

RJ Meera Damji from Radio Mirchi affirmed that every second song on their radio playlist is Arijit's. Music composer Krsna said; "He is involved, gives his inputs, visualises the song, works on how to sound different, stylises his voice if the melody is a bit weak".

While Siddharth Mahadevan looks to Singh for inspiration as he can "sing any genre",

Mika Singh mentioned that Singh has a "distinct style and is also terrific".

In April 2017, 16-year-old Juvenile Indian Female Shooter Mehuli Ghosh in an Interview said- "Arijit Singh songs help me to stay focused. I have Arijit Singh with me whose melancholic songs have been helping me to increase concentration. I will hear Arijit Singh's songs as I do always before any crucial match to get focused and at the same time to get relaxed also.

Arijit's contemporary singer Neha Kakkar in an interview to The Hindu said that Arijit is her favorite singer, and his songs are on her "Playlist". She also said that he is in the league of legends singers.

Awards and nominations

Arijit was awarded the "Wizcraft Honour for the Best Live Performer". Arijit 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 at 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.