‘My Son Couldn’t Live in Mumbai’: Arijit Singh’s Father On His Return To Jiaganj Roots

After surprising fans with his decision to step away from Bollywood playback singing in late January 2026, Arijit Singh has chosen a quieter life in his hometown of Jiaganj in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, a place that his family has called home for generations.

In a recent conversation, his father Surinder Singh shared stories of how the family’s journey began decades ago, migrating from near Lahore after Partition before settling in Jiaganj. Over time, they rebuilt their lives there, and the town became more than just a place of survival, it became home.

Singh grew up in the close-knit community as “Shomu,” far removed from the glamor of Mumbai, and his early musical experiences came from attending the local gurdwara, where he would sing kirtans with his mother on special occasions. Those formative connections to music were rooted in culture and spirituality long before his rise to national fame.

Reflecting on his son’s journey, Surinder Singh remarked on the emotional pull of Jiaganj, a bond that ultimately drew Arijit back. “Even my son couldn’t live in Mumbai and had to return. Ei maatir emoni taan” (there is something about this soil), he said, articulating the deep connection the family feels with their hometown.

Today, even after becoming one of India’s most celebrated voices, Arijit remains closely tied to Jiaganj. His children attend school locally, and his philanthropic efforts through community projects reflect his commitment to giving back to the place that shaped him.

While his playback career in films has paused, the singer continues to explore musical avenues on his own terms, most recently releasing an independent track titled “Raina” that has been embraced by fans across social media.

For Arijit, the shift from Mumbai’s stage lights to Jiaganj’s quiet lanes represents not a retirement from music, but a return to its roots