Arijit Singh Returns to the Stage for First Live Show After Playback Exit

Arijit Singh Performs Live in Kolkata Days After Announcing Playback Retirement

Singer Arijit Singh marked his first live performance in Kolkata just days after announcing his retirement from playback singing, sparking an emotional response from fans. Videos and photos of Arijit performing live with sitar maestro Anoushka Shankar have gone viral on social media, as the appearance marked his first on-stage performance following the retirement announcement.

Arijit appeared as a guest performer at Anoushka Shankar’s concert. In one widely shared clip, the crowd can be heard cheering loudly as Anoushka invites him onto the stage. Addressing the audience, a visibly moved Arijit said, “I am very nervous. Thank you for having me.”

The duo, joined by percussionist Bickram Ghosh, performed Maya Bhora Raati — a classic Bengali composition originally sung by Lakshmi Shankar, with music composed by the late sitar legend Pandit Ravi Shankar. Following the performance, Arijit also revealed that he had recently visited Anoushka at her home, where the two collaborated on composing a song together.

As clips from the concert spread online, fans flooded social media with emotional reactions. “I feel so emotional — happy and heartbroken at the same time,” one fan wrote. Another commented, “It feels like listening to him live after ages.” A third added, “Oh Arijit! Missed your voice. Getting goosebumps.”

Arijit Singh’s Retirement Announcement

On January 27, Arijit Singh announced his decision to step away from playback singing through an Instagram post.

“Hello, Happy New Year to all. I want to thank you all for giving me so much love all these years as listeners,” he wrote. “I am happy to announce that I am not going to be taking any new assignments as a playback vocalist from now on. I am calling it off. It was a wonderful journey.”

In a follow-up post shared on his private X (formerly Twitter) account, Arijit said he plans to focus on learning and creating music independently.

“God has been really kind to me. I am a fan of good music and, in the future, will be learning more and doing more on my own as a small little artist,” he wrote. Addressing speculation around his decision, Arijit clarified that the move was neither impulsive nor triggered by a single incident.

“There isn’t just one reason for this; there are multiple factors, and I have been contemplating this for quite some time. Ultimately, I have mustered the necessary courage,” he said.