“Arijit Singh’s Cozy Life as ‘Shomu’ in Jiaganj: Scooter Rides, Music, and Hosting Ed Sheeran Amid ‘Raina’ Release”
From playback stardom to hometown tranquility, Arijit Singh balances family, philanthropy, and music in Murshidabad.
Mumbai, Feb 02 : When news broke on January 27, 2026, that Arijit Singh was stepping back from playback singing, fans across India were stunned. For over a decade, his voice had defined Hindi film music with countless chart-toppers. Yet in Jiaganj, a serene town in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, the reaction was quieter. Here, he is not a celebrity but simply “Shomu,” the boy everyone watched grow up. Life in Jiaganj continues at an unhurried, familiar pace, far removed from Mumbai’s glitz.
Rooted in Jiaganj’s Legacy
In an interview with The Telegraph India, his father Surinder Singh shared the family’s history: “Our ancestral home was near Lahore. After Partition, my father and his brothers migrated to Lalgola,” he said. Like many displaced families, they rebuilt their lives as cloth merchants before settling in Jiaganj along the river. Other relatives moved to Panjabipara, where a local gurdwara became a hub for the Sikh community.
Growing Up as ‘Shomu’
Before fame, Arijit was known simply as Shomu in his neighborhood. Haridasi Das, who runs a tea stall with her son Sanjoy “Bultey” Das, recalls, “I saw Shomu grow up,” remembering how his father taught him to swim nearby. The tea stall served as a casual hangout for laughter and friendships rather than celebrity sightings. Even today, locals occasionally spot him riding his scooter through narrow lanes, blending seamlessly into daily life.
Jiaganj has quietly hosted international stars as well. Social media posts confirm visits from Ed Sheeran and Martin Garrix. Garrix even recorded “Angels for Each Other” at Arijit’s home studio near his residence.
Family and Philanthropy Take Center Stage
Despite owning properties and studios in Mumbai, Arijit prefers his hometown. His sons, Jul and Ali, attend a local CBSE school, reflecting his commitment to a grounded upbringing. He is also dedicating more time to Tatwamasi, his charitable foundation focused on education and healthcare development in the region. Upcoming projects include a hospital, music academy, sports complex, and school enhancements.
“Moja lagey (I enjoy it),” said his father, explaining the town’s enduring emotional pull. “People ask about his next project. This is such a peaceful place that even my son couldn’t stay away from it.”
Continuing His Musical Journey
While stepping away from mainstream playback singing, Arijit has not abandoned music. He recently released the independent track Raina, composed by Shekhar Ravjiani and penned by Priya Saraiya, signaling a more personal artistic direction. The song is gradually gaining attention online, marking a new chapter in his musical journey.
