Singer Arijit Singh gave fans a musical treat in Kolkata just days after announcing his decision to step away from playback singing. The performance, held at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, saw the audience erupt in cheers as Arijit took the stage alongside sitar maestro Anoushka Shankar and percussionist Bickram Ghosh. Social media quickly flooded with videos and pictures capturing the singer’s emotional first public performance after his announcement.
In a heartfelt moment on stage, Arijit admitted, “I am very nervous. Thank you for having me,” drawing applause and cheers from the crowd. The evening showcased a unique blend of classical and contemporary music, with Arijit joining Anoushka and Ghosh to perform Maya Bhora Raati, a Bengali song originally sung by Lakshmi Shankar and composed by the late sitar legend Pandit Ravi Shankar.
The collaboration didn’t end there. Arijit and Anoushka also performed a duet on Traces of You, a soulful track by Anoushka Shankar and Norah Jones. Fans watching the performance online were quick to express their emotions. One fan wrote, “I feel so emotional—happy and heartbroken at the same time.” Another commented, “Oh Arijit! Missed your voice. Getting goosebumps.” An X (formerly Twitter) user added, “It feels like listening to him live after ages,” while others praised the unexpected yet magical collaboration.
Arijit Singh 👑 Kolkota Live with Anoushka Shankar ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vkbylfWlza
— closed account🫂 (@ASFAN_MAKKAR) February 8, 2026
This concert came shortly after Arijit made his announcement on January 27 that he will no longer take up new assignments as a playback singer. Sharing his decision with fans on X and Instagram, he expressed gratitude for the love and support he has received throughout his illustrious career. “Hello, Happy New Year to all. I want to thank you all for giving me so much love all these years as listeners. I am happy to announce that I am not gonna be taking any new assignments as a playback vocalist from now on. I am calling it off. It was a wonderful journey,” he wrote, marking the end of an era for Bollywood music enthusiasts.
While Arijit is stepping back from playback singing, he continues to pursue other facets of his musical career. A multi-talented artist, he is also a composer, music producer, and instrumentalist. He began his journey in the entertainment industry by participating in the reality show Fame Gurukul in 2005, showcasing his vocal talent to a wide audience. His Hindi film playback debut came in 2011 with the song Phir Mohabbat from Murder 2, but it was Tum Hi Ho from Aashiqui 2 (2013) that catapulted him into mainstream recognition and cemented his status as one of India’s leading voices.
Over the years, Arijit Singh’s voice has become synonymous with some of the most iconic tracks in Bollywood. His repertoire includes hits such as Channa Mereya, Agar Tum Saath Ho, Raabta, Kesariya, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Tera Yaar Hoon Main, Tujhe Kitna Chahne Lage, and the upcoming Hum To Tere Hi Liye The from Vishal Bhardwaj’s O Romeo. Each song has showcased his emotive singing style and ability to connect deeply with listeners.
Despite retiring from playback singing, Arijit’s performances—like the one in Kolkata—remind fans of the emotional impact of his music. Collaborating with maestros like Anoushka Shankar and performing tracks that bridge classical and contemporary styles, he continues to enchant audiences. This Kolkata concert served not only as a farewell to his playback career but also as a celebration of his extraordinary musical journey, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his next creative ventures, whether in composition, production, or live performances.
Arijit Singh’s legacy in Indian music is unparalleled, and while fans may miss hearing him in new Bollywood songs, moments like this live concert ensure that his voice and artistry remain unforgettable.
