Nayare Ali

Why he matters: With a sonorous voice that evokes the deepest emotions, this new-age Kishore Kumar has cast his spell across the globe. The ‘Kesariya’ singer has had quite the canorous journey from a reality show (that voted him out!) to every chart-topping number we have on loop today.

Arijit Singh boasts a musical repertoire so vast and varied that one simply cannot pick a favourite. ‘Lambiyan Si Judaiyaan’? ‘Hawayein’? ‘Agar tum Saath Ho’? ‘Hamari Adhuri Kahani’? ‘Kesariya’? Or the more recent ‘O Bedardeya’? His mastery of each note is soul-stirring.

This National Film Award winner took over the mantle (rather, the mic) from revered senior colleagues such as Udit Narayan, Kumar Sanu, Sonu Nigam and Shaan. He’s also renowned for belting out remakes of popular tracks such as ‘Pasoori Nu,’ ‘Bulleya’ and ‘Main Tera Boyfriend’ with remarkable ingenuity. Singh’s stellar debut with Mithun’s composition ‘Phir Mohabbat’ in 2011 was an instant hit — and everyone knew a new star was born. Amping up his performance and cementing his position in the industry, he soon delivered another chart-topper, ‘Duaa,’ for Vishal-Shekhar.

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Ironically enough, this fan-favourite was voted out of a reality show Fame Gurukul, back in 2005! But in hindsight, it was his intense rendition of ‘Tum Hi Ho’ from Aashiqui 2 that won him awards galore for ‘Best Male Playback Singer’ and proved to be the true turning point of his career. And as cliché as this may sound, there was simply no looking back.

Maintaining an air of mystery around his personal life, Singh tied the knot with his childhood friend, Koel Roy, back in 2014. The couple today lives in the quaint town of Jiaganj in West Bengal. Despite his work calling him out to Mumbai, the elusive singer’s heart resides in his own town, with him travelling to the city when needed.

“I feel it’s important to be reclusive. It makes one strong and focused, and distractions are fewer. If I meet someone, it should elevate my life. So I let life decide who I’m going to meet instead of making a plan with someone.”

A voice that will echo for generations to come, Singh has his own symphony, one that resonates in every heart.

To see who else is on the list, grab the copy of HELLO! India’s August 2023 issue right here!