Following his recent announcement of retirement from playback singing, Arijit Singh made his first public appearance in a special performance with sitar maestro Anoushka Shankar in Kolkata. The concert, held at Netaji Indoor Stadium on Sunday, February 8, 2026, saw the celebrated singer share the stage with Shankar and percussionist Bickram Ghosh, creating an unforgettable evening for music enthusiasts.
Just days prior, on January 27, 2026, Arijit Singh had surprised his fans by announcing his departure from playback singing via a heartfelt message on his social media accounts. He expressed gratitude for the immense love he received throughout his career, stating, "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". The announcement, while shocking to many, signaled a new chapter for the artist, with intentions to explore his roots in classical music and focus on independent musical endeavors.
During the Kolkata concert, Anoushka Shankar welcomed Arijit Singh to the stage amidst thunderous applause. Visibly emotional, Arijit addressed the crowd, "I am very nervous. Thank you for having me". Together, they performed "Maya Bhora Raati," a rare Bengali song composed by Pandit Ravi Shankar and originally sung by Lakshmi Shankar. The performance was particularly poignant, blending classical and contemporary musical sensibilities.
Anoushka Shankar shared her sentiments on social media, expressing her joy in bringing her father's rarely heard Bengali song to life with Arijit. She also hinted at a deeper creative collaboration, mentioning that Arijit had visited her home in London, where they composed music together. Adding to the magic of the evening, Arijit and Anoushka performed a duet of "Traces of You," a song originally composed by Anoushka and sung by Norah Jones.
The collaboration was met with emotional responses from fans online. Many expressed their joy at seeing Arijit on stage and their support for his decision to pursue a more personal path in music. One fan wrote, "Seeing him on stage like this, he's on the right side of music. Always has been". Another called the performance a "highlight" of their life.
Arijit's decision to retire from playback singing comes after a successful career, where he lent his voice to numerous leading stars and delivered countless hits. He clarified that he would fulfill his existing commitments and continue to create music independently. His desire to explore his classical roots, coupled with a feeling of creative restlessness and a wish to make way for new talent, contributed to his decision. The performance in Kolkata suggests a potential shift towards more classical and fusion projects, marking an exciting new chapter for the beloved singer.