Arijit Singh

Singh is an Indian playback singer and singer-songwriter. Singh is cited as one of the most talented singers in India, and his songs are considered iconic. He predominantly sings in Hindi and Bengali. He is regarded as one of the most successful playback singers in the Hindi music industry and is often called “a singer whom every man loves.” Singh’s voice is described as soothing, soulful and melodious.

A playback singer, as they are usually known in South Asian cinema—or ghost singer in Western cinema—is a singer whose performance is pre-recorded for use in films. Playback singers record songs for soundtracks, and the performers lip-sync the songs on camera; the actual singer does not appear on screen. Generally, to synchronize with the emotional situation of the song or the complete movie, the playback singer is given an idea of those elements so they can interpret the mood vocally.

Singh is a versatile playback singer and has been referred to as the “King of Playback Singing.” He is praised for his ability to give soul to lyrics and life to a song. He is known for being shy and emotional and often stays out of the limelight despite the huge fame and popularity he enjoys in India.

Although the number of musical superhits sung by Singh is countless, some of his most loved Hindi songs include “Tum Hi Ho,” “Sanam Re,” “Muskurane Ki Wajah Tum Ho,” “Hamari Adhuri Kahani,” “Hamdard,” “Man Mast Magan,” “Kabira (Encore),” “Kabhi Jo Badal Barse,” “Samjhawan,” “Sawan Aaya Hai,” “Suno Na Sangemarmar” and “Khamoshiyan.”

Singh insists on the presence of lyricists during recording sessions. According to him, only a poet can truly understand the relevance of the words and the feelings behind them. Singh has named Irshad Kamil, Sayeed Quadri and his favorite, Amitabh Bhattacharya, among his preferred lyricists. He said he shares an uncanny relationship with Bhattacharya and can read between the lines of his lyrics—“that’s the place where emotions are secreted,” he explained.

While interacting with Subhash Ghai during a Q&A session at Whistling Woods International’s 5th Veda cultural hub, Singh said, “Singing is like talking. It is an art of expression. There are other factors too, but they all follow once you understand your lyrics and rhythm well. There are no rules. You just have to practice well.”

On stage, he shared his childhood memories, saying, “I mostly practiced modern Bengali and Indian classical music. My guru, Rajendra Prasad Hazari, inspired me to practice more modern singing, as according to him, Indian classical was dying.”

Singer and renowned music composer Shankar Mahadevan said, “I knew him before he became Singh. He is an educated musician—he understands his sargam, he has got depth.”