Have you ever heard a song that made your heart skip a beat? A melody so beautiful it brought tears to your eyes? If you’re a fan of Bollywood music, chances are that song was sung by Arijit Singh. Known as the “King of Romantic Songs,” Arijit’s voice has become the soundtrack of love, heartbreak, and joy for millions. From the iconic Tum Hi Ho to the soul-stirring Channa Mereya, his songs touch hearts across the globe. In this guide, we’ll take you through Arijit Singh’s incredible journey, his best songs, his unique style, and much more. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious, let’s dive into the world of India’s favorite playback singer!
Early Life and Musical Journey of Arijit Singh
A Musical Childhood
Arijit Singh was born on April 25, 1987, in Jiaganj, Murshidabad, West Bengal, into a family that loved music. His father, Kakkar Singh, was a musician, and his mother and grandmother were talented singers. Even his uncle played the tabla! Growing up in a home filled with melodies, Arijit fell in love with music at a young age. He started learning Indian classical music from his maternal aunt and trained under gurus like Rajendra Prasad Hazari for classical singing, Dhirendra Prasad Hazari for tabla, and Birendra Prasad Hazari for Rabindra Sangeet and pop music.
Reality Shows and Early Struggles
At 18, Arijit took a big leap by joining the reality show Fame Gurukul in 2005. Though he finished sixth, his soulful voice caught the attention of filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Unfortunately, the song Arijit recorded for Bhansali’s film Saawariya was never released. He faced more setbacks, including an unreleased album with Tips. But Arijit didn’t give up. He won another reality show, 10 Ke 10 Le Gaye Dil, and used the prize money to build his own recording studio in Mumbai. Before his big break, he worked as a music programmer for composers like Pritam and Vishal-Shekhar, learning the ropes of Bollywood music.
First Steps in Bollywood
Arijit’s Bollywood debut came in 2011 with Phir Mohabbat from Murder 2, composed by Mithoon. Recorded in 2009, the song became a hit and showed the world his raw talent. He also sang Duaa for Shanghai and Phir Le Aya Dil for Barfi!, earning nominations for his powerful performances. These early songs set the stage for his massive success.
Arijit Singh’s Rise to Stardom
The Game-Changer: Tum Hi Ho
In 2013, Arijit Singh became a household name with Tum Hi Ho from Aashiqui 2. Composed by Mithoon, this romantic ballad captured the pain and passion of love like no other song. It topped charts for weeks, racked up millions of YouTube views, and won Arijit his first Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer. Fans loved how his voice made them feel every word. The song’s success wasn’t just about music—it became a cultural phenomenon, played at weddings and heartbreak playlists alike.
Blockbuster Hits and Collaborations
After Tum Hi Ho, Arijit worked with top composers like Pritam (Kabira from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani), A.R. Rahman (Agar Tum Saath Ho from Tamasha), and Sanjay Leela Bhansali (Binte Dil from Padmaavat). His ability to sing in Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and more made him a pan-Indian star. Songs like Gerua (Dilwale), Channa Mereya (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil), and Kesariya (Brahmāstra) became instant classics. Arijit’s voice was everywhere—movies, radio, and Spotify playlists.
Shaping Bollywood Music
Arijit didn’t just sing—he changed how Bollywood music sounded. His emotional delivery and versatility brought a fresh, heartfelt vibe to playback singing. Fans on X call him “the only one keeping gaayki alive” in modern Bollywood. His songs became the go-to choice for expressing love and heartbreak, making him the voice of a generation.
Signature Singing Style and Influences
What Makes Arijit’s Voice Special?
Arijit’s voice is like a warm hug—it’s deep, husky, and full of emotion. Whether he’s singing a romantic duet or a sad solo, he makes you feel every note. His ability to switch between genres—romantic (Tum Hi Ho), classical (Laal Ishq), Sufi (Mast Magan), or peppy (Sooraj Dooba Hain)—sets him apart. Critics praise his “expressive and captivating vocal talent” that can make even simple melodies magical.
Musical Influences
Arijit grew up listening to classical music, Rabindra Sangeet, and Bollywood legends like Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar. His training in Indian classical music gives his songs a rich, soulful quality. He’s also inspired by Western pop and jazz, which you can hear in his smooth improvisations. Fans on X say his “godly playback voice” and mastery of ghazals make him the most versatile Indian vocalist ever.
Arijit Singh’s Achievements and Awards
A Trophy Cabinet Full of Honors
Arijit’s talent has earned him a long list of awards. Here’s a snapshot:
| Award | Wins | Notable Songs |
|---|---|---|
| Filmfare Awards | 7 | Tum Hi Ho, Sooraj Dooba Hain, Ae Watan |
| National Film Awards | 2 | Binte Dil (2018), Kesariya (2022) |
| IIFA Awards | 5 | Tum Hi Ho, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil |
| Mirchi Music Awards | 24 | Tum Hi Ho, Samjhawan |
| Zee Cine Awards | 5 | Tum Hi Ho, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil |
He won nine out of ten nominations for Tum Hi Ho alone! In 2025, he received the prestigious Padma Shri from the Government of India for his contributions to music.
Streaming Superstar
Arijit is a digital giant. Spotify named him India’s most-streamed artist from 2020 to 2024, with over 47 million monthly listeners. His songs like Kesariya and Chaleya have billions of streams, making him a global icon.
Arijit Singh’s Impact on Bollywood and Music Industry
Redefining Playback Singing
Arijit brought a new depth to Bollywood music. Before him, playback singing often focused on high-pitched or dramatic voices. Arijit’s raw, emotional style made songs more relatable. His work in films like Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Kabir Singh set a new standard for expressing complex emotions through music.
Inspiring Young Singers
Arijit’s success has motivated countless young artists. His journey from a small town to global fame shows that talent and hard work can break barriers. Aspiring singers look up to his versatility and humility. Music schools even teach his songs to train students in emotional delivery
A Cultural Icon
Arijit’s songs are more than music—they’re part of India’s culture. From college fests to weddings, his melodies are everywhere. His live performances, like the iconic Tum Hi Ho at Microsoft Theater, leave audiences spellbound.
Arijit Singh’s Personal Life and Philanthropy
Family and Hobbies
Arijit is a private person who keeps his personal life low-key. He married Koel Roy in 2014, and they live in Mumbai with their two children. Arijit loves badminton, cricket, and football (he’s a Manchester United fan!). He also enjoys writing and making documentaries.
Giving Back to Society
Arijit is a big supporter of education and healthcare for underprivileged kids. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he made significant donations to relief efforts. His music label, Oriyon Music, supports young, independent artists, giving them a platform to shine. Fans admire his kindness and grounded nature.
Fashion and Style: Arijit Singh Off-Stage
Simple and Relatable
Arijit’s fashion is all about comfort. You’ll spot him in casual t-shirts, jeans, and his iconic round glasses. Unlike flashy Bollywood stars, he keeps it real, and fans love him for it. His down-to-earth style reflects his personality—humble and approachable.
Why It Works
Arijit’s casual look makes him relatable to fans from all walks of life. Whether he’s a kurta at a music event or a hoodie at a concert, he proves you don’t need glitz to stand out. His signature glasses have even inspired fan merchandise
Arijit Singh’s Popular Songs
Here’s a list of Arijit’s must-listen songs that have defined Bollywood:
| Song | Movie | Year | Why It’s Special |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tum Hi Ho | Aashiqui 2 | 2013 | The ultimate love anthem |
| Channa Mereya | Ae Dil Hai Mushkil | 2016 | Heartbreaking and soulful |
| Gerua | Dilwale | 2015 | A romantic masterpiece |
| Phir Le Aya Dil | Barfi! | 2012 | Emotional and nostalgic |
| Kesariya | Brahmāstra | 2022 | Viral hit with billions of streams |
| Agar Tum Saath Ho | Tamasha | 2015 | A soulful duet with Alka Yagnik |
| Chaleya | Jawan | 2023 | A global dance anthem |
His latest hits include Satranga (Animal, 2023) and Sajni (2024). Arijit also composed music for Pagglait (2021), showing his talent as a music producer. Stream his albums like Arijit Singh (All Time Hits) on Spotify or JioSaavn for a mix of classics and new tracks.
Buying Guide: How to Enjoy Arijit Singh’s Music and More
Want to dive deeper into Arijit’s world? Here’s how to get started:
1. Stream His Music
- Platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, JioSaavn, or Gaana.
- Recommendation: Start with Loveholic Arijit Singh or Arijit Singh All Time Hits for a mix of his best songs.
- Cost: Free with ads or ~$5/month for premium subscriptions.
- Tip: Download playlists for offline listening during commutes or study sessions.
2. Attend a Concert
- Where to Find Tickets: Check BookMyShow or SeatUnique for Arijit’s India and international tours (e.g., UK shows at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium).
- Price Range: ₹1000–₹10,000 (India), $50–$200 (international).
- Pro Tip: Book VIP tickets early for a closer view of Arijit’s magical live performance.
3. Buy Merchandise
- Options: T-shirts, posters, or Arijit-inspired glasses on Amazon or Flipkart.
- Price: ₹300–₹1000.
- Why Buy?: Show your fandom and support Arijit’s brand.
4. Support His Causes
- How: Donate to NGOs Arijit supports, like those for children’s education.
- Impact: Your contribution honors Arijit’s legacy of giving back.
5. Explore His Compositions
- Album: Pagglait soundtrack on Oriyon Music.
- Why Try?: Hear Arijit’s creative side as a composer.
