Arijit Singh Returns to the Stage in Kolkata with Anoushka Shankar

New Delhi, February 9, 2026: In a moment that sent ripples through the music industry and social media alike, Arijit Singh made a surprise return to the stage at Kolkata’s Netaji Indoor Stadium on Sunday, February 8, 2026. This appearance marked his first live performance since his shock announcement on January 27 that he would be retiring from Bollywood playback singing.

The “Tum Hi Ho” singer joined sitar maestro Anoushka Shankar and acclaimed percussionist Bickram Ghosh for an experimental set that signaled a new, classical-leaning direction for his career.

A Vulnerable Return: “I Am Very Nervous”

Despite being one of the most successful vocalists in Indian history, Arijit appeared visibly moved as he stepped into the spotlight. Welcomed by Anoushka Shankar to a thunderous standing ovation, the singer confessed his vulnerability to the home crowd.

“I am very nervous. Thank you for having me,” he told the audience, his voice carrying a mix of humility and genuine apprehension.

Fans, who were still reeling from his recent retirement announcement, responded with deafening cheers, turning the nerves into a collective celebration of his artistry.

The Performance: A Tribute to Pandit Ravi Shankar

The highlight of the evening was a rare and haunting rendition of “Maya Bhora Raati.” The Bengali composition, originally composed by the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar and sung by Lakshmi Shankar, was brought to life by the trio.

Arijit also joined Anoushka for a duet of “Traces of You,” a track originally performed by Anoushka and her sister, Norah Jones. The collaboration showcased a side of Arijit’s voice—technical, soulful, and unhurried—that often gets overshadowed by the demands of commercial film music.

Anoushka Shankar later took to Instagram to express her joy:

Why Did Arijit Singh Retire from Playback?

The Kolkata concert offered a glimpse into the “why” behind Arijit’s retirement. On January 27, he told fans he was “calling it off” regarding new film assignments to explore fresh musical landscapes.

• Creative Freedom: Insiders suggest Arijit felt “choked” by the repetitive nature of the Bollywood music machine.
• Space for New Talent: He expressed a desire to step back so that fresh voices could enter the industry.
• Classical Roots: His collaboration with Anoushka Shankar confirms his intent to focus on independent, classical, and experimental music.

The “Arijit Era” Isn’t Over, It’s Evolving

While he may no longer be the default voice for every Bollywood hero, the Kolkata concert proved that Arijit Singh’s connection with his audience remains unbreakable. By stepping away from the “algorithmic bizarreness” of film music, he appears to be reclaiming his identity as a “small little artist”—one who is allowed to be nervous, to experiment, and to sing for the sake of the craft itself.