Arijit Singh's Journey from Bollywood Stardom to Artistic Solitude in Jiaganj
In a surprising turn of events, Arijit Singh, the celebrated playback singer whose voice has defined love and loss in contemporary Bollywood for over a decade, has decided to retire from playback singing at the peak of his career. At 38 years old, Singh now resides in Jiaganj, a small town in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, far removed from the glitz and glamour of Mumbai. This move marks not an abandonment of music, but a profound shift towards creative autonomy and personal fulfillment.
Embracing a Simpler Life Away from Industry Pressures
Jiaganj, located at the eastern edge of the Bhagirathi River, is characterized by open drains and significant out-migration, yet it is here that Singh finds peace. He lives in an old-fashioned home with mint-green walls adorned with his children's handprints, a space where his mind and music can breathe freely. By stepping away from studios, labels, and relentless executives, Singh aims to reclaim control over his artistic output, focusing on how his songs sound rather than how they fit into film narratives or meet commercial demands.
This decision comes at a time when the Indian music industry is increasingly driven by metrics, formulas, and remixes, often at the expense of originality. Singh's own songs had begun to sound monotonous in this environment, despite their undeniable artistry. His departure from the system is poised to interrupt this trend, potentially leading to more enhanced and heartfelt compositions.
A Glimpse into Singh's Enhanced Musical Vision
One example of this new direction is "Barkha", a composition under his record label, Oriyon Music by Arijit Singh. Written by Irshad Kamil, this gentle rain song showcases Singh's talent and versatility, rooted in Hindustani classical music. It stands out in today's film music landscape, demonstrating how simplicity can deeply move listeners. This track highlights the emotional connection Singh has built with a wide spectrum of audiences through his classical training and unique voice.
Born to a Sikh father and Bengali mother in Murshidabad, Singh always aspired to be a composer and music producer. His journey began with a reality show, followed by assisting composer Pritam and singing scratches for other singers. His breakthrough came with "Tum hi ho" from Aashiqui 2 in 2013, which topped the charts and paved the way for hits like "Kabira", "Phir le aaya dil", "Channa mereya", and "Kesariya". These songs took the popular music space by storm, solidifying his status as a playback icon.
Achieving Global Recognition and Collaborative Spirit
In a remarkable feat, Arijit Singh has even surpassed global popstars like Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish to become the most followed artist on Spotify. This achievement underscores his widespread appeal and the respect he commands in the music world. His influence extends beyond borders, as evidenced by Grammy-winning popstar Ed Sheeran's willingness to travel to Murshidabad for a collaboration. The two artists created "Sapphire" together, with Sheeran joining Singh on a scooty ride through the town's bylanes, a testament to Singh's grounded lifestyle.
Singh's connection to Murshidabad runs deep—it is where he learned music, where he returns via cycle rickshaw after concert tours, and where his children attend school. This environment allows him to protect his artistic integrity and personal well-being, away from the industry's pressures.
The Promise of a Brilliant Future Beyond Bollywood
While fans will undoubtedly miss Singh's voice in Bollywood films, his departure carries the promise of something brilliant on the horizon. By focusing on his own compositions and creative vision, Singh may fill the void of missing tunes in today's film music, offering works that prioritize artistry over numbers. This move reflects a broader trend where artists seek authenticity in an increasingly commercialized landscape.
As Arijit Singh embarks on this new chapter, his story serves as an inspiration for musicians striving to balance success with personal fulfillment. His journey from Bollywood playback to artistic freedom in Jiaganj is a bold statement about the importance of creative control and the enduring power of music rooted in tradition and emotion.
