In a display of unwavering devotion and collective ardour, nearly 30,000 fans embodied the spirit of music at Arijit Singh’s recent concert in Pune. Often acknowledged as the voice that resonates with a generation’s myriad emotions, Arijit Singh has once again made headlines, not for seeking the limelight, but through the heartfelt connection he shares with his audience.
It was at the Teerth Fields in the Sus area of Pune, on a Sunday brimming with anticipation, that Arijit Singh enchanted his fans with his vocal prowess. As an artist known for his soulful renditions and modest demeanor, he managed to create an unforgettable experience even amidst logistical constraints.
The night proceeded with a repertoire that celebrated Arijit’s illustrious musical journey. Stirring the crowd’s emotions with each song, he concluded his set with ‘Satranga’ from the upcoming film ‘Animal’. Yet as the clock indicated the end of his allotted time, the singer’s heart longed to offer more to the sea of fans who had gathered to witness his magic.
Respecting the constraints but burdened by an artist’s desire to connect, Arijit retreated backstage yet began to croon the soulful ‘Chaleya’ from Shah Rukh Khan’s new film ‘Jawan’. Under the night’s sky, his voice began the melody then gracefully left the verse hanging, a silent invitation to his fans. It was a moment reminiscent of scenes from a film, where the protagonist’s unspoken words are beautifully completed by the supporting cast.
This time, however, the cast was nearly 30,000 strong. Fans readily accepted the silent baton, their voices soaring to complete ‘Chaleya’ in a symphony of unity and passion. The moment transcended a mere performance; it was a mutual exchange of love and appreciation palpable even through the screens of smartphones that captured this viral sensation.
Arijit Singh’s journey to this magical night traces back to his days on the reality show ‘Fame Gurukul’ in 2005. His unique vocal texture won him an opportunity to work with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, although his breakout moment in Bollywood had to wait till 2011 with ‘Murder 2’s ‘Phir Mohabbat’. The release of ‘Aashiqui 2’ and the song that became synonymous with love, ‘Tum Hi Ho’, catapulted him into stardom.
Through the years, his discography has expanded with a versatile mix of soul-stirring and peppy numbers like ‘Kabira’, ‘Samjhawan’, ‘Gerua’, ‘Channa Mereya’, and ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’, among others. His acclaimed voice in ‘Padmaavat’s ‘Binte Dil’ fetched him a National Award for Best Male Playback Singer in 2019.
Contributing further to his legendary status, ‘Chaleya’ is yet another gem in Arijit Singh’s treasure trove of musical hits. The song is a collaborative effort featuring celebrated names in the industry: the composition magic of Anirudh, the choreographic flair of Farah Khan, and the powerful penmanship of Kumaar. Together, they have woven an atmosphere that complements the beautiful picturization on Shah Rukh Khan and Nayanthara dancing intimately to the track in ‘Jawan’.
Arijit Singh continues to be a phenomenon who subtly orchestrates emotional symphonies, both through his music and his unspoken bond with the audience. As the Pune night proved, even when the stage lights dim and the microphones are switched off, his influence lingers in the collective voice of thousands, ensuring that the music, indeed, never stops.
