In his first public appearance since announcing his departure from Bollywood playback singing, renowned vocalist Arijit Singh took the stage for a classical music performance alongside sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar in Kolkata this past weekend. The unexpected collaboration between the contemporary singing sensation and the 14-time Grammy-nominated classical artist created an immediate viral sensation across social media platforms.
The performance marked a significant artistic pivot for Singh, who recently shocked millions of fans worldwide by declaring he would no longer accept new assignments as a playback vocalist. Videos from the Kolkata concert quickly amassed widespread attention, showcasing the unique fusion of Singh’s distinctive vocals with Shankar’s masterful sitar artistry.
Following the performance, Singh broke his social media silence with a heartfelt tribute to Shankar on Instagram. ‘Thank you, @anoushkashankarofficial for having me on stage last night in Kolkata,’ Singh wrote in an Instagram Story. ‘I have always adored your music. It listens, it speaks, it stays. Playing alongside you is always a beautiful experience, and one I look forward to every time. Grateful for the music, the moments, and the generosity you bring to every note.’ He concluded his message with appreciation for percussionist Bickram Ghosh.
Singh’s career trajectory has undergone a remarkable transformation since his beginnings on the reality show Fame Gurukul in 2005. After achieving mainstream success with hit songs like ‘Tum Hi Ho’ from Aashiqui 2, which established him as a dominant force in Bollywood music, his recent decision to step away from playback singing represents a significant shift in artistic direction. The collaboration with Shankar, daughter of legendary sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar, signals a potential new chapter focused on classical and crossover musical expressions.