Skip to content

Arijit Singh: 'He's like the Ed Sheeran of India'

Harry LowBBC News
News imageAFP via Getty Images Arijit Singh performs in a grey suit jacket and white shirt while holding a blue guitar. He has a microphone attached to his headAFP via Getty Images
Arijit Singh performed before the 2023 Cricket World Cup clash between India and Pakistan

Arijit Singh has become the first Indian-born artist to headline a UK stadium, performing in London for his only European date of 2025.

Described by the BBC Asian Network as "one of the most popular and beloved playback singers in India", the 38-year-old's music is listened to by nearly 50 million people a month, according to Spotify which ranks him in 58th place.

The vocalist, whose music features in Bollywood films and who recently appeared with Ed Sheeran on the single Sapphire, made his breakthrough with the song Tum Hi Ho in the 2013 Bollywood romance Aashiqui 2.

One fan at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium said: "His songs are so amazing and touching. He's like the Ed Sheeran of India."

News imageDavid Godfrey/BBC A smiling woman with oversized sunglasses smiles at the camera. She is wearing a strappy top.David Godfrey/BBC
Fans said they were excited to catch the only UK tour date

One fan said: "He is one of the best singers. I just love to watch him tonight, I'm really really excited."

Another concert-goer said he has followed the singer's career and thought he was a big influence.

"I've watched a lot of Bollywood films, to see his concert finally is a big thing," he said.

"He did come last year but unfortunately I missed him."

News imageDavid Godfrey/BBC A man in dark glasses and a dark shirt with a brown floral design is smiling. A red microphone with the words BBC London is in front of him. Another young man in a white suit with stripes and a black shirt can be seen to the right.David Godfrey/BBC
An estimated 40,000 people had tickets to see the stadium show

Another fan said he was captivated by Arijit Singh's music.

"I listen to most of his songs in my car," he said.

"Today is a very big day for me, I'm here to see him live."

"He's a legend," another concert-goer told BBC London.

In 2016, Arijit Singh (left) spoke - and sang - to BBC Asian Network's Haroon Rashid

An estimated 40,000 fans were expected at the concert at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Singh was due to take to the stage at 18:30.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]