The highly anticipated Arijit Singh concert took place on Saturday, as fans gathered on a cold evening at Hyatt Regency, Kathmandu, seeking warmth in the voice of a legendary Indian singer. The event, jointly organised by MN Production and Garage Entertainment, was announced in August with a press meet. The first round of tickets were available for purchase soon after through Khalti.

Entering the concert arena, the atmosphere was very exciting as everyone focused on the man on whom the spotlight was cast. With a guitar slug on his shoulder and an eye-catching white jacket, Singh greeted the crowd with his soulful voice. He took the stage to deafening cheers. His presence generated an intensity that set the tone for the upcoming musical adventure. The singer played many of his hits.

Singh’s singing abilities, as well as his stage presence, were nothing short of amazing. Every lyric displayed his ability to communicate a wide range of emotions through his singing. He engaged the audience at every turn, from touching ballads to high-energy tunes. The connection between the artist and the audience was palpable, resulting in an immersive overall experience for the attendees.

He sang his hits like ‘O Bedardeya’, ‘Raabta’, ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ and ‘Dil Sambhal Ja Zara’, with remixes of some tracks. Singh also managed to keep singing as he signed autographs and shook hands with the fans who reached out to him.

As the evening progressed, it became clear that this concert was about more than simply music; it was a celebration of artistry, culture and the joy that music provides to people’s lives. Singh’s ability to interact with the crowd on a deep level transformed the concert into an unforgettable experience. At one point, he even asked the audience, “Which song from the movie ‘Aashiqui’ would you like to hear?”

MN Production and Garage Entertainment should be commended not just for bringing Arijit Singh to Nepal but also for the event’s near-perfect execution. Their efforts and back-and-forth trips to India and Nepal seem to have paid off, as the production quality was great, ensuring that every musical nuance was amplified to perfection.

The lighting, sound engineering and ambience contributed significantly to the overall impact of the concert. Everyone was swaying and dancing to the music throughout the show.

However, many fans had to wait out almost an hour after the concert began because of issues with the digital ticket. After much waiting and back-and-forth with the managing team to get their tickets re-checked, some attendees missed the artist’s entry and the opening song. Apart from this, the event went pretty smoothly.

I liked how skillfully Singh curated his setlist, avoiding playing similar songs consecutively. The diversity of his playlist showcased his versatility as an artist. Each song, evoked a different emotion, creating a dynamic journey for the audience. From heart-wrenching tracks that tugged at the soul to foot-tapping numbers that had everyone on their feet, Singh curated a setlist that catered to the varied tastes of his fans.

As the final notes faded away, we were left with memories of a night filled with great music, proving once again that music has the power to touch human emotions and create moments that warm the soul.