Arijit Singh Stuns Kolkata with Surprise Live Performance
In a move that delighted fans and music enthusiasts alike, playback singing sensation Arijit Singh made a surprise appearance at sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar's concert in Kolkata. This unexpected performance comes just weeks after Singh's shocking announcement of his retirement from playback singing, adding a layer of intrigue to his musical journey.
An Unforgettable Night at Netaji Indoor Stadium
The concert, held at Kolkata's iconic Netaji Indoor Stadium, took an exciting turn when Arijit Singh joined Anoushka Shankar on stage. Accompanied by renowned tabla maestro Bickram Ghosh, Singh performed Pandit Ravi Shankar's rarely heard Bengali composition "Maya bhora raati." Despite his extensive experience, Singh admitted to feeling nervous before taking the stage, showcasing the humility that has become his trademark.
Heartfelt Reactions from Collaborators
Anoushka Shankar, daughter of the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar, expressed her overwhelming emotions about the collaboration through social media. "So much more to say later, but for now, my heart!!!!" she wrote on Instagram, sharing a clip from the performance. She described hearing Singh bring her father's composition to life as "truly one for the books," highlighting the special significance of the moment.
Bickram Ghosh also took to Instagram to praise Singh's character and musicianship. "The respect Arijit shows his seniors is exemplary. He has immense grace and humility," Ghosh wrote, noting that Singh "always did" possess these qualities. Ghosh further commended Anoushka Shankar's performance, describing the show as "fantastic" and praising her maturity as both a sitar player and composer.
A Reciprocal Musical Gesture
This collaboration appears to be a reciprocal gesture between the two artists. In September of last year, Anoushka Shankar surprised audiences by performing at Arijit Singh's North London show. This exchange of musical favors underscores the mutual respect and admiration between these contemporary Indian music icons.
Redefining His Musical Path
Arijit Singh's Kolkata performance provides significant insight into his post-retirement musical direction. On January 27, Singh had announced his decision to step away from playback singing, stating he would no longer take new assignments in that capacity. His appearance at Anoushka Shankar's concert suggests a shift toward more personal, collaborative projects that may not be tied to the commercial demands of Mumbai's film industry.
Singh's retirement announcement had sent shockwaves through the Indian music industry. "I want to thank you all for giving me so much love all these years as listeners," he had written, describing his playback career as "a wonderful journey." The Kolkata concert performance indicates that while he may be leaving playback singing behind, his musical journey is far from over.
The Future of Arijit Singh's Music
This surprise performance raises intriguing questions about what lies ahead for one of India's most beloved vocalists:
- Will he focus more on live performances and collaborations?
- Does this signal a move toward more classical or experimental music?
- How will his departure from playback singing affect the Bollywood music scene?
What remains clear is that Arijit Singh continues to captivate audiences with his vocal prowess and artistic integrity. His willingness to perform rare classical compositions alongside masters like Anoushka Shankar and Bickram Ghosh demonstrates a commitment to musical exploration that transcends commercial considerations.
