Singer Arijit Singh, who celebrates his 36th birthday today, has had a long journey to stardom. In 2005, at the age of 18, he gained popularity through his participation in the reality TV showFame Gurukul. Despite receiving much appreciation, Singh finished sixth, with contestants Qazi Touqeer and Ruprekha Banerjee winning the show. The panel of judges included Javed Akhtar, Shankar Mahadevan and KK.
After Fame Gurukul, Singh featured in another reality show, 10 Ke 10 Le Gaye Dil, which was a musical face-off between contestants of Fame Gurukul and Indian Idol. He won the show and set up his own studio with the prize money of ₹10 lakh. However, this still did not guarantee easy stardom for him as a singer.
Singh’s career-turning point was when filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali noticed him and gave him the opportunity to sing the song ‘Yun Shabnami’ from Saawariya, which was Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor’s debut film. Unfortunately, his version of the song did not see the light of day. Following this, Ramesh Taurani signed him for a music album, which also did not get released.
Singh then relocated to Mumbai in 2006, where he got his first big break with the song ‘Phir Mohabbat’ from Murder 2. In 2013, he shot to fame with ‘Tum Hi Ho’ from Aashiqui 2, and the rest, as they say, was history.
Over the years, Singh has established himself as a singer of heartbreaking romantic ballads, and is one of the most-sought after singers in Bollywood. He also received the National Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the song ‘Binte Dil’ from Sanjay Leela’s Padmaavat.
There’s no doubt that Singh is a musical powerhouse, with an incredible range that can move you to tears or make you bust a move on the dance floor. From the soul-stirring ‘Channa Mereya‘ to the foot-tapping ‘Dilli Wali Girlfriend’, the singer can do it all.
But did you know that this maestro has some hidden gems in his discography that are often overlooked? Ahead, we talk about the unsung heroes of Singh’s repertoire that deserve some serious love and attention.
‘Tomake Chuye Dilam’
With his enchanting vocals, Singh has brought to life yet another beautiful song that will leave you spellbound. This time, it’s the poignant track from the film Bastu Shaap, with lyrics penned by the talented Srijato and a hauntingly beautiful composition by Indraadip Dasgupta. This soulful melody is the perfect balm for a troubled mind, offering a soothing respite from the stresses of everyday life.
‘Apur Paayer Chaap’
Kaushik Ganguly’s celebrated film Apur Panchali may have wowed audiences and critics alike at festivals, but it was the soulful track ‘Apur Paayer Chaap’ that truly captured the hearts of viewers as they left the cinema. Composed by the gifted Indranil Dasgupta and brought to life by Singh’s soothing vocals, this song is sure to remain etched in our memories for years to come.
‘Bojhena Shey Bojhena’
Bojhena Shey Bojhena may have come and gone, but its iconic title track is still a favourite among music enthusiasts. This heart-melting melody composed by the talented Indraadip Dasgupta and penned by the lyricist Prosen, and voiced by Singh. From the very first note, this track captures your heart and transports you to a world of love and longing.
‘Mon Majhi Re’
Fans were greatly impressed with the poignant Bengali song featured in the movie Boss, both for its visual presentation and musical arrangement. The song showcased Jeet and Subhashree Ganguly, and its music was composed by Jeet Gannguli, while the lyrics were penned by Prosen. Boss was a Bengali blockbuster movie that was a remake of the Telugu film called Businessman.
‘Tose Naina Jab Se Mile’
Despite featuring popular television anchor Manish Paul and Elli AvRam, Mickey Virus failed to impress audiences and was not successful at the box office. However, the movie did have a silver lining in the form of a beautiful song called ‘Tose Naina Jabse Mile’, sung by Arijit Singh. The romantic track struck a chord with many young couples, and became a popular choice to dedicate to their significant others. While the song may not be one of Singh’s most famous songs, it’s a perfect choice to listen to on a cosy Saturday night with your beloved.
‘Tomar Pasher Desh’
When the mellifluous voice of Arijit Singh meets the masterful direction of Kaushik Ganguly, you know you’re in for a treat. Their collaboration on the beautiful film Bijoya is nothing short of magical. So, if you’re looking for a way to escape into a world of music and romance, look no further than Singh’s mesmerising performance on this underrated gem.
‘Duaa’
Did you know that this beautiful track from the movie Shanghai was also sung by Singh? The duet with Nandini Srikar is one of the most exquisite songs in the singer’s discography, yet it remains underrated.
‘Sukoon Mila’
Singh’s charming voice in this song, combined with the montage depicting Mary Kom’s love story - a story that played a vital role in shaping her life and identity - was a true delight to the ears.
