Arijit Singh dances, hugs Anoushka Shankar at party after Indian classical concert; seen enjoying post-retirement

Singer-composer Arijit Singh announced his retirement from Bollywood playback singing on January 27. He mentioned that he will now focus on Indian classical music and create independent music. On February 8, Arijit surprised his fans when he performed with sitar maestro Anoushka Shankar in Kolkata. After the concert, he also joined Anoushka and her friends at a party.

Anoushka shared inside videos from the party on her Instagram Stories. In one clip, she is seen warmly hugging Arijit as soon as he makes his entry. The performers looked joyful and were clearly enjoying the special evening.

Arijit also shared a heartfelt gratitude post for Anoushka on his Instagram Stories.

He wrote, “Thank you, Anoushka Shankar, for having me on stage last night in Kolkata. I have always adored your music. It listens, it speaks, it stays. Playing alongside you is always a beautiful experience, and one I look forward to every time. Grateful for the music, the moments, and the generosity you bring to every note.”

Sharing his note, Anoushka replied, “Humbled beyond belief.”

Anoushka also shared a clip from the musical evening on Instagram.

She wrote, “So much more to say later, but for now, my heart!!!! Hearing the only @arijitsingh bringing my father’s rarely heard Bengali song to life and then sharing our new music with Kolkata was truly one for the books.”

Arijit first teamed up with Anoushka and percussionist Bikram Ghosh to perform Maya Bhora Raati, a Bengali classic originally sung by Lakshmi Shankar and composed by the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar.

Arijit revealed that he had recently visited Anoushka at her home, where they spent time composing music together.

He then performed a soulful duet with her on Traces of You, a track she co-created with international star Norah Jones.

Fans got emotional seeing Arijit Live

Reacting to the videos, a fan wrote, “I feel so emotional, happy and heartbroken at the same time.”

Another commented, “Oh, Arijit! Missed your voice. Getting goosebumps.”

One user wrote, “Wow!! What a beautiful surprise.”

Another added, “It feels like listening to him live after ages.”

Reacting to Arijit Singh’s post-concert dancing, netizens said he is enjoying post-retirement.

On January 27, Arijit announced that he would no longer take up new assignments as a playback vocalist, bringing an end to what he called a “wonderful” journey. In a message shared with fans on X (formerly Twitter), he expressed gratitude for the immense love he has received over the years.

Aamir Khan with Arijit Singh

Soon after Arijit’s announcement, Aamir Khan visited the singer’s residence in Jiaganj, Murshidabad, West Bengal. What was expected to be a brief meeting turned into a four-day stay filled with conversations, music, and shared memories.

Aamir Khan Productions later shared a photograph of the two, along with the message:

“Thank you, Arijit, for lending your voice to our film Ek Din. The four days spent with you, your family, and your team felt magical.” The visit sparked speculation that Aamir was trying to convince Arijit to reconsider his retirement.

Putting the rumours to rest, Aamir clarified that his visit was not meant to pressure Arijit into returning to playback singing. In a conversation with Subhash K. Jha, the actor said, “I wasn’t there to convince Arijit not to quit singing for films.”

However, he admitted that he gently brought up the subject. Despite his efforts, he realised Arijit had made up his mind.

Reflecting on it, Aamir said, “Though I did try my best to persuade him to reconsider, it was in vain. He seems to have made up his mind.”

Aamir had travelled to Murshidabad for work related to his film Ek Din, starring his son Junaid Khan. The visit focused on the rendering and recording of the film’s songs.

He explained, “I was there for his rendering of the Ek Din songs.”

Since the project had been committed to earlier, Aamir convinced Arijit to honour that commitment. The singer agreed to lend his voice to Junaid’s character, as the film had been finalised before his retirement announcement.

Aamir shared, “I convinced him to sing for my sake. He is singing for Junaid’s character. Since Ek Din was an earlier commitment, he wanted to complete it.”

The film features five tracks, all sung by Arijit.

Arijit Singh’s retirement  message

“Hello, Happy New Year to all. I want to thank you all for giving me so much love all these years as listeners. I am happy to announce that 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,” he wrote on Instagram.

About Arijit’s Career

Arijit Singh is also a composer, music producer, and instrumentalist. He began his career by participating in the reality show Fame Gurukul in 2005. He made his Hindi film debut in 2011 with Phir Mohabbat (Murder 2).

He gained widespread recognition with Tum Hi Ho from Aashiqui 2 in 2013.

Over the years, he has delivered several iconic tracks, including Channa Mereya, Agar Tum Saath Ho, Raabta, Kesariya, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Tera Yaar Hoon Main, Tujhe Kitna Chahne Lage, and Hum To Tere Hi Liye The from Vishal Bhardwaj’s upcoming O Romeo.

His upcoming tracks are from Salman Khan’s Battle of Galwan, Shahid Kapoor’s O Romeo, and others, before he bids adieu to playback singing.