Happy Birthday Arijit Singh! Some unusual facts about the crooner
What's the story
Equally adept at belting out romantic as well as tear-jerking melodies, Arijit Singh is undoubtedly one of the country's top singers today.
But do you know he never wanted to become this famous? He's extremely media-shy, and remains immersed in music.
So, he thinks that this celebrity status simply happened by fluke.
On Singh's 34th birthday, here's uncovering the reticent singer a bit more.
Beginning
He had ranked sixth in his first music competition
Hailing from a musically rich family, Singh received his training in classical music from Rajendra Prasad Hazari.
It was Hazari who pushed the then 18-year-old Singh to participate in a singing competition.
Although he impressed the judges and audiences on Sony's Fame Gurukul (2005), he ranked sixth on the show.
Well, this goes on to show that rankings cannot guarantee one's success.
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Singh bonded with Shankar Mahadevan due to the reality show
Though he couldn't win, the show did bring him to Shankar Mahadevan's attention, who was one of the judges.
Talking dearly of that association, Singh had said, "I have turned to him whenever I have been in financial trouble and he has (always) given me work."
Singh then participated in another reality show, 10 Ke 10 Le Gaye Dil, and won that title.
Before success
Singh used his prize money to set up a studio
The champion's tag came with a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh.
While his friends suggested he buy a Mercedes or invest the amount, he followed his heart and set up a recording studio.
It gave him a reason and support to continue staying in Mumbai.
He worked as a music programmer with stalwarts like Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Vishal-Shekhar, Pritam, and Mithoon.
Discovery
Debuting with 'Phir Mohabbat,' 'Tum Ho' catapulted Singh to success
His first playback project was the soulful Phir Mohabbat (Murder 2).
After that, he sang Raabta (Agent Vinod) and Duaa (Shanghai), which were impressive releases.
However, the real magic happened when Jeet Ganguly discovered Singh on YouTube and signed him for Aashiqui 2.
After the Mahesh Bhatt-produced musical released, everyone was left in awe of his renditions.
Arijit Singh, the phenomenon, had officially arrived!
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He is a prolific singer in the regional industry too
Brought up in Murshidabad of West Bengal, the Khamoshiyaan singer is prolific in the regional music industry as well. Some of his most popular Bengali songs include Asatoma Sadgamaya (Khaad), Bojhena Shey Bojhena (title track), Parbona (Borbaad), and Mon Majhi Re (Boss).