February 8, 2026
In a moment that bridged the gap between Bollywood’s biggest voice and global classical royalty, Arijit Singh made a surprise return to the stage in Kolkata, joining sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar for an unforgettable musical "homecoming."
Just days after sending shockwaves through the industry with his announcement to retire from playback singing, Arijit appeared not as a film star, but as a humble student of the craft.
The Highlight: A Historic Collaboration
The stadium erupted as Anoushka introduced Arijit to the stage. Visibly moved and uncharacteristically vulnerable, Arijit admitted to the crowd:
"I am very nervous. Thank you for having me."
The duo, accompanied by percussionist Bickram Ghosh, delivered a soul-stirring rendition of Maya Bhora Raati—a rare Bengali composition by the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar. The performance was a 20-minute masterclass in musical fusion, blending Arijit’s emotive vocals with the meditative echoes of Anoushka’s sitar.
Why it Mattered
The First Performance Post-Retirement: This was Arijit’s first public appearance since his January 27 announcement that he would no longer take on new playback assignments.
A New Chapter: Fans witnessed a shift in Arijit’s career trajectory—away from commercial film music and toward independent, classical-rooted artistry.
A "Traces of You" Duet: The two also performed a duet version of Traces of You (originally recorded by Anoushka with Norah Jones), showcasing a seamless blend of global and Indian sensibilities.
The night ended with Arijit kneeling in a respectful pranam to the audience and a warm embrace from Anoushka, signaling what many believe to be the dawn of a new, experimental era for the singer.
