A SOLITARY figure on stage, his yellow turban gleamed under the bright lights. Eyes closed, the bearded man smiled widely as he sang, pouring his heart into every note.
His voice carried an intimacy, as though the music flowed directly from his soul to the audience.
There is no flamboyance, no flashiness — just the pure, unfiltered emotion of a man lost in the art he loves.
Arijit Singh in concert is exactly that — a man with his music, letting his voice do all the talking.
Tirelessly weaving through an endless repertoire of songs drawn from his vast collection, he held the audience spellbound.
There were no grand theatrics or over-the-top gestures, just pure, heartfelt melodies delivered with a sincerity that resonated deeply with everyone listening.
After a decade-long wait, the 'King of Playback Music' made a spectacular return to Malaysia with a concert organised by Hitman Solutions in collaboration with Australia-based Cinestar Events.
The recent event at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, KL drew nearly 10,000 fans, who were treated to an unforgettable evening of timeless classics and chart-topping hits, showcasing Arijit's extraordinary talent and unwavering connection with his audience.
From the first strains of Hawaayein from the film of the same name, his entry onto the stage was met with thunderous cheers from the audience.
Among the first few songs was O Maahi from Dunki, setting the tone for a memorable night.
Arijit's soulful renditions included timeless favourites such as Janam Janam from Dilwale, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Tum Hi Ho (Aashiqui 2), Kesariya from Brahmastra, Chaleya from Jawan and a pulsating rendition of What Jhumka? from Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.
Arijit's voice was a masterclass in control and expression, seamlessly blending richness with precision.
His skillful use of meend — the art of gliding smoothly from one note to another — created a mesmerising, domino-like cascade of sound.
For nearly four hours, the 37-year-old held the audience spellbound, delivering over 40 songs with flawless consistency, never faltering, even as he signed autographs on stage. His humility shone through in his performance, expressed through wide smiles, waves and hand hearts.
METEORIC RISE
Who doesn't know the singer whose voice has become synonymous with the very essence of Hindi cinema? Arijit Singh's name is as familiar as the Bollywood stars his voice brings to life on screen.
A dominant figure in the world of playback singing, Arijit is celebrated for his unparalleled ability to adapt his voice to suit an array of on-screen characters.
His versatility and emotive delivery have endeared him to filmmakers and audiences alike, making him a favourite across generations.
In August 2024, Arijit achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing Taylor Swift to become the most-followed artiste on Spotify, with over 120 million followers — a testament to his global appeal and extraordinary talent.
But before becoming the voice of a generation, he faced a setback that many might not know about — he lost a singing competition early in his career.
Participating in the reality show Fame Gurukul at the age of 18 back in 2005, Arijit, despite his undeniable talent, didn't secure the top spot.
Although he finished sixth, his talent caught the attention of filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali who invited him to sing Yun Shabnami for the film Saawariya.
However, due to script changes, Arijit's version was not included in the final cut.
Despite this setback, his perseverance led to his breakthrough in 2013 with the song Laal Ishq from Bhansali's Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela.
This marked the beginning of a successful collaboration between the two, with Arijit later lending his voice to Aayat in Bajirao Mastani and Binte Dil in Padmaavat.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Years later, Arijit, now hailed as the undisputed king of playback singing, took the stage in Malaysia and commanded it like a maestro leading a symphony.
With dazzling lights, energetic dancers and a stellar team of musicians backing him, he transformed the night into a Bollywood dream come to life.
The audience, knowing every lyric by heart, sang along, clapped and cheered, becoming part of the performance itself.
There's something magical about Hindi movies and the music that binds their stories together.
Just for one night, the beloved songs we first fell in love with on the big screen came alive once again, in a heartfelt celebration of music, memories and cinematic magic — all thanks to the soulful voice of Arijit Singh.