The Roots of a Legend: Arijit Singh’s Deep Connection to Jiaganj

Following Arijit Singh's recent announcement regarding his retirement from playback singing on January 27, 2026, many fans have been reflecting on the artist's deep-rooted connection to his hometown of Jiaganj in West Bengal. While the news caused a stir nationwide, the singer’s personal history offers a look into the grounded life he maintains away from the spotlight.

The family's journey to West Bengal began generations ago. Originally from near Lahore, Arijit’s grandfather and his brothers migrated to Lalgola following the Partition. As cloth merchants, they worked to rebuild their lives from scratch before eventually settling by the river in Jiaganj. Over the decades, the local Sikh community established deep roots in the area, including the founding of a gurdwara that remains a central landmark for the family.

Growing up as Shomu to his neighbors, Arijit’s musical foundation was laid early on. His father, Surinder Singh, recalls the singer accompanying his mother to the local gurdwara to perform kirtans during special occasions. Despite reaching massive levels of fame starting in 2013, the singer never fully traded his small-town life for the bustle of Mumbai. His father notes that the peaceful nature of Jiaganj and a strong emotional bond with the land always pulled him back home.

Arijit’s commitment to his roots is visible in his daily life; his children attend local schools, and he frequently directs his charitable efforts toward improving regional educational facilities. Even as he steps back from playback singing, his creative output continues with the recent release of a new song titled Raina, composed by Shekhar Ravjiani and written by Priya Saraiya. This blend of national success and local devotion defines the legacy of a man who, despite his status as a musical icon, remains deeply tied to the town where his family’s journey began.