In a recent turn of events, Arijit Singh, the voice that has captured millions of hearts with his soul-stirring music, stirred up a storm on social media for an altogether different reason. During a live performance in Dubai, the acclaimed singer was caught on camera engaging in personal grooming onstage, specifically cutting his nails, while a live audience looked on. The video quickly went viral, igniting a flurry of reactions across the internet.
Arijit Singh, known for delivering hits like ‘Tum Hi Ho’, ‘Raabta’, and more recently ‘Chaleya,’ found himself at the center of online scrutiny. Individuals expressed their dismay at what they considered an unprofessional act by the singer during the Dubai concert at the esteemed Coca-Cola Arena. Notwithstanding the talent that Singh brings to the stage, some fans implied that the ticket prices—which are often premium for his performances—warranted a performance sans personal hygiene rituals.
One aggrieved viewer pointed out that the act was “unhygienic” and not reflective of the humility that many fans associate with Arijit’s public persona. Another remarked on the inconsistency between his onstage actions and his sartorial choices, suggesting that both fell short of the expected standard for a performer of his repute. The frustration was palpable in the words of a concertgoer who questioned the logic of bringing nail clippers to such an event, while labeling the conduct as “highly unprofessional.”
Yet, some among Arijit’s fanbase were quick to jump to his defense. They offered context to the occurrence, pointing out the practical necessity behind Singh’s mid-concert grooming. An attendee highlighted the fact that he was having trouble playing the guitar, which necessitated the impromptu manicure.
Despite the backlash, it’s undeniable that Arijit Singh’s rise to fame has been meteoric and filled with noteworthy milestones. On Sunday, alongside the nail-cutting incident, a separate video showcased a moment of warmth and humility as Arijit extended a heartfelt apology to actress Mahira Khan in the audience, for not recognizing her immediately. The starlet, dressed elegantly, had previously worked with Arijit on the track ‘Zaalima’ from her Bollywood debut film ‘Raees’, starring alongside Shah Rukh Khan.
Arijit Singh’s journey from a small town in West Bengal to Bollywood’s elite echelons is a tale of grit and passion. His early exposure to music within his family in Murshidabad provided the foundation upon which he built his dream. Starting with his participation in the reality TV show ‘Fame Gurukul’ in 2005, Arijit did not let initial setbacks deter him. The show served as a launchpad for his undeniable talent, which would later be solidified by the success of his song ‘Tum Hi Ho’ from ‘Aashiqui 2’.
This song, with its poignant melody and Arijit’s emotive delivery, endeared him to the masses and cemented his position as a musical phenomenon. The hit became a nationwide sensation overnight, marking the beginning of a golden chapter in Arijit’s career. Since then, he has consistently wooed audiences globally with his versatile singing, which spans across languages and genres.
Singh’s craft as a playback singer remains unparalleled, and his ability to convey deep emotion through his music has positioned him as a beloved figure in the music industry. The incident notwithstanding, Arijit Singh’s contribution to the world of music continues to be celebrated by his fans the world over. As for the recent controversy, it stands as a point of debate among netizens—some decrying the event as a breach of professional decorum, others empathizing with the demands of live performance. Regardless, Arijit Singh’s legacy as a vocalist remains largely untarnished in the annals of Indian cinema’s musical history.
