Arijit Singh Makes Emotional Stage Return After Playback Exit

Singer Arijit Singh delivered an emotionally charged performance in Kolkata on February 8, marking his first public appearance since announcing his exit from playback singing on January 27. At Netaji Indoor Stadium, the acclaimed vocalist shared the stage with sitar maestro Anoushka Shankar and percussionist Bickram Ghosh for a 20-minute set that captivated audiences. As he took the stage, Singh admitted nervously, “I am very nervous. Thank you for having me,” prompting thunderous applause from fans who eagerly awaited his performance.

A Musical Collaboration with Deep Roots

The evening showcased Singh’s versatility through carefully curated compositions. He performed ‘Maya Bhora Raati’, a Bengali classic originally sung by Lakshmi Shankar and composed by Pandit Ravi Shankar, blending traditional and contemporary sounds. Singh also performed ‘Traces of You’, a collaborative piece between Anoushka Shankar and Norah Jones, which showcased his vocals alongside Shankar’s sitar, leaving the audience mesmerized.

Why Singh Stepped Away from Bollywood

Through heartfelt Instagram and X posts, Singh explained that while his playback singing journey was “wonderful,” he sought new creative spaces and inspiration. Rather than abandoning music entirely, Singh aims to make room for fresh voices in the industry, having dominated Bollywood with chart-toppers like ‘Tum Hi Ho’ and ‘Raabta’. The announcement of his appearance sparked viral reactions on social media, with fans describing the experience as “beautiful” and “emotional,” celebrating his return to live performance after years in the recording studio.