Arijit Singh's Humble Abode: Where Global Music Meets Small-Town Roots
In the world of Hindi cinema, Arijit Singh represents the quintessential voice of romance and heartache. However, his recent announcement to step away from playback singing has shifted focus to his origins in Jiaganj, a small town in West Bengal's Murshidabad district. Here, beyond the glittering awards and chart-topping hits, lies a story of unwavering connection to one's roots.
The Journey to Jiaganj: A Test of Patience for Global Stars
For international artists like Grammy-winning Ed Sheeran, reaching Jiaganj proved to be an adventure. After becoming captivated by Singh's soulful rendition of "Tum Hi Ho" from Aashiqui 2, Sheeran embarked on a five-hour, 200-kilometer journey from Kolkata through winding, potholed roads. "It was quite a mission to get there," he remarked in a BBC Asian Network interview, yet upon arrival, he found an unexpected familiarity.
The town, once a prosperous trading hub celebrated by Lord Clive, now proudly counts Arijit Singh among its jewels. Sheeran noted how Jiaganj's unhurried mornings and close-knit community reminded him of his own home in Suffolk, England. It was in this serene setting that their collaboration on the global hit "Sapphire" came to life, bridging continents through music.
The Neighbourhood Boy: Arijit's Unchanged Identity
In the Shibtala Ghat area, where narrow lanes intertwine, stands the multi-storey house where 38-year-old Arijit grew up and continues to reside. Unlike many celebrities who opt for penthouses in metropolitan cities, Singh remains deeply embedded in his community. Locals fondly recall spotting him on his scooty in traffic, attending school committee meetings, or shopping for groceries.
"To the outside world, he is a celebrity. To Jiaganj, he is parar chhele (the neighbourhood boy)," shares a neighbour. His simple attire—a short kurta, beard, and cotton headwrap—has even inspired fashion trends among the town's youth. This grounded existence contrasts sharply with his monumental influence on Bollywood's sonic landscape over the past decade.
The Making of a Musical Prodigy
Arijit's musical journey began in Jiaganj under the guidance of his mother, Aditi, who trained in Rabindra Sangeet. His formal education at Jiaganj Raja Bijoy Singh Vidyamandir saw teachers like Kamlesh Shaw encouraging his talent from Class V onwards. "Even as a young boy, he was always singing," Shaw recalls, noting that Singh still shows respect by touching his feet when they meet.
After a stint on the reality show Fame Gurukul in 2006, Arijit's big break came with composer Pritam in 2010. Songs like "Channa Mereya," "Gerua," and "Kesariya" cemented his status, offering a sincerity that reshaped playback singing. Remarkably, many of these recordings originated not in Mumbai's studios but from his mint-green-walled home in Jiaganj.
Technology Bridging Distances: The Home Studio Revolution
Singh's advanced home studio, equipped with high-speed internet and professional software, has made physical distance irrelevant. "This allows him to collaborate, record, and practise with composers and musicians in real time," explains an acquaintance. It was here that he perfected hits like "Jhoome Jo Pathaan," demonstrating that artistic excellence need not be confined to urban centers.
Lyricist Raj Shekhar, who collaborated with Arijit on Hichki, observes, "I have never heard anyone in the industry complain that Arijit is not recording from Mumbai or that something was lacking. Sometimes the words just start speaking when he sings."
Redefining Success: Courage in Stepping Away
Arijit's decision to retire from playback singing arrives amid an industry increasingly focused on virality and instant impact. Playback singer Simran Choudhary views this move as "an act of self-respect" that challenges conventional notions of success. "Walking away at your peak takes enormous courage and forces us to question what success really means," she reflects.
For Arijit, success appears to encompass artistic freedom, personal fulfillment, and community commitment. He actively contributes to Jiaganj through a sports academy, a family-run restaurant offering student discounts, and his role as president of his school's governing body.
A Private Life in a Public World
In an era of oversharing, Arijit maintains a remarkably private life with his wife Koel Roy, their two sons, and his father. At Heshel restaurant, managed by his family, a sketch of the singer adorns the wall, though staff note his visits have dwindled due to crowds. "He now steps out during odd hours," says resident Rounak Dey, yet Jiaganj respects his need for space.
As one friend puts it, "We still have our addas. We don't talk about music, we just talk nonsense, crack jokes. We are his safe place." In Jiaganj, Arijit Singh isn't merely a star—he's a cherished neighbour whose legacy transcends playback singing to embody the enduring value of staying true to one's origins.
