As news of singer Arijit Singh's retirement from playback singing spreads, fans are reminiscing about his early days, including a poignant chapter from the reality show Fame Gurukul. Many younger admirers may not realize that before rising to stardom, Arijit was a 17-year-old contestant on this singing competition, judged by luminaries like Javed Akhtar, KK, and Shankar Mahadevan. The show, an Indian adaptation of the UK's Fame Academy, aimed to train and prepare young singers for the competitive music industry, but Arijit's journey was marked by emotional turmoil and public scrutiny.
The Controversial Vote That Sparked Outrage
During his time on Fame Gurukul, Arijit Singh formed a strong bond with fellow contestant Shamit Tyagi. However, in a twist that shocked viewers, Arijit decided to vote Shamit out of the competition, a move based on fan and co-contestant votes. This decision ignited controversy, as it seemed to betray the friendship they had developed. The fallout was immediate, with Arijit being summoned by Ila Arun, the headmistress of the Gurukul, who confronted him about his actions and intentions.
A Tearful Confrontation with Ila Arun
When Arijit approached Ila Arun, he attempted to touch her feet as a sign of respect, but she refused, setting the stage for a harsh interrogation. Ila questioned his character, asking, "Do relationships matter to you at all?" She expressed disappointment, noting that while he sang beautifully, his personal actions fell short. Ila referenced a conversation with judge Javed Akhtar, who had warned, "Talk to him nicely. If he becomes a star one day, he'll treat us like smoke from his car." Arijit interrupted, insisting he viewed Ila as a mother figure, but the damage was done.
The Emotional Aftermath and Public Fallout
To drive her point home, Ila played a recording of Shamit Tyagi's interview after being voted out, showing his disbelief and hurt. Upon seeing this, Arijit broke down and cried incessantly, overwhelmed by guilt and regret. Ila later consoled him, emphasizing the importance of being a good human being before focusing on singing. The young Arijit vowed to help Shamit in his career if needed, but the incident tarnished his public image, leading to his eventual elimination from the show, where he secured the 6th rank.
Legacy and Redemption Beyond Fame Gurukul
Despite this setback, Arijit Singh's career did not end there. The winners of Fame Gurukul, Qazi Touqeer and Ruprekha Banerjee, received a music contract from Sony worth Rs 1 crore and a Maruti Suzuki Alto. However, Arijit later outperformed them and the winners of Indian Idol in a show called 10 ke 10 Le Gaye Dil, winning a Rs 10 lakh cash prize. This redemption arc highlights his resilience and talent, which ultimately propelled him to become one of India's most beloved playback singers, making this early chapter a fascinating glimpse into his formative years.
