Arijit Singh’s journey from being a relatively unknown talent to one of the most revered voices in the Indian music industry has been marked by remarkable success, but also by a rare sense of humility that has set him apart from many of his contemporaries. His story is not just about his meteoric rise in Bollywood and beyond but about the kind of person he remains despite his fame and fortune. While many celebrities indulge in the glamour and glitter that come with their success, Arijit’s lifestyle remains refreshingly grounded, a quality that has earned him admiration both within and outside the music industry.
As one of the most popular playback singers of his generation, Arijit Singh’s voice has become synonymous with soul-stirring music. His tracks, including Tum Hi Ho, Channa Mereya, Raabta, and Agar Tum Saath Ho, have not only captured the hearts of millions but have also cemented his place as one of Bollywood's most sought-after voices. Yet, despite this immense popularity, Arijit remains largely unaffected by the fame and wealth that come with such success. Unlike many stars, who tend to adopt a larger-than-life persona, Arijit continues to live a life of simplicity and contentment.
This simplicity is perhaps most apparent when it comes to his relationship with material wealth. Stories of Arijit’s modesty are often shared by those who have interacted with him in the music industry, including rappers Ikka Singh and Raftaar. During a podcast discussion on Honestly Saying, Ikka revealed that Arijit is someone whose wealth is never on display. Despite earning a significant amount from his performances, Arijit has no interest in flaunting his riches or showing off a lavish lifestyle. Ikka recounted an incident when Arijit was offered a duplex apartment in Mumbai in exchange for a wedding performance. Instead of opting for the apartment or anything extravagant, Arijit chose to live his life on his own terms, rejecting the idea of associating material success with his worth.
Further underlining his disinterest in luxury, Ikka recalled a time when Arijit chose to take an auto-rickshaw to get home, even though his car was delayed. While most people in his position would wait for a car service, Arijit’s lack of concern for this minor inconvenience reveals just how little he values status symbols or the show of wealth. "He sat in the auto in front of him and left for home," said Ikka, sharing the simplicity of the moment. It’s stories like these that have made Arijit a favorite not just because of his vocal talent but also because of his grounded nature.
Moreover, Arijit has often spoken about his distaste for the spotlight. Unlike some of his peers, who relish the attention and the perks that come with their fame, Arijit has always shied away from it. His refusal to embrace a glamorous lifestyle further reflects his personal philosophy of keeping things simple and authentic. His demeanor is consistently unpretentious, and he has never sought to capitalise on his fame in the same way many celebrities do. His ability to remain humble in the face of such immense success has made him not just a talented artist, but also a person that many look up to as a model of humility.
Ikka further highlighted this by comparing Arijit’s earnings with that of the music legend AR Rahman. While Rahman is known for commanding a high price for his live performances, Arijit remains relatively modest in his demands. "Rahman Sir takes Rs 3 crore to do a live show. Just check how much Arijit Sir takes. It’s about timing also, but he isn’t making noise about it—and that’s the difference," said Ikka. Arijit’s ability to make millions without ever flaunting it speaks volumes about his personality. Despite being one of the highest-paid musicians in India, he has remained grounded, and his music continues to speak for itself rather than his personal wealth.
Arijit Singh’s journey to stardom is also characterized by his refusal to indulge in the trappings of fame. He rose to prominence with Tum Hi Ho from Aashiqui 2 in 2013, a song that turned into an anthem and catapulted him into Bollywood’s elite circle. Since then, his career has skyrocketed, and he has sung over 400 songs across multiple languages. However, he has managed to keep his personal life out of the public eye. While most celebrities share every aspect of their lives on social media or in the press, Arijit prefers a quieter, more private existence, something that many fans appreciate.
His personal style reflects his no-nonsense approach to life. Rather than donning expensive designer clothes or flashy accessories, Arijit has always been seen in simple, comfortable attire—often a kurta and jeans. This simplicity in his clothing is a reflection of his personality, showing that he places more value on authenticity and comfort than on conforming to society’s expectations of what a star should look like.
This unpretentious nature is something that fans and fellow musicians alike have come to respect. Despite being one of the most successful and beloved figures in the music industry, Arijit Singh’s journey is not about the accolades or the luxuries he could have accumulated along the way. It’s about his commitment to staying true to himself, his values, and his art. For him, success is not measured by the number of awards, the size of his house, or the car he drives. Instead, it’s about making music that connects with people, living a life of integrity, and remaining grounded in the face of immense success.
Arijit’s humility, coupled with his extraordinary talent, makes him an inspiring figure in an industry often associated with superficiality and excess. He is a reminder that it’s possible to achieve great things while staying true to one’s roots, and that true happiness does not come from material wealth, but from the satisfaction of living authentically. Whether it’s through his powerful voice or his simple way of life, Arijit Singh has shown that true greatness lies in being yourself, regardless of the world’s expectations.
