Mumbai: Singer Qazi Touqeer has opened up about Arijit Singh’s early struggles, saying that although he knows the singer’s story, he does not wish to reveal details that are not his to share.
Qazi noted that Arijit has never spoken publicly about his hardships in interviews, even as many people recount their struggles after achieving success.
“Aaj tak Arijit Singh ne kisi interview mein yeh sab nahi bola hai ki main ro raha tha, main sadak pe tha…” (To this day, Arijit Singh has never said in any interview that he was crying or that he was out on the streets…), Qazi said.
He added that people often speak about their difficult beginnings once they have achieved success.
“Kuch haasil kiya na, toh log kya kehte hain ki ‘Kuch nahi tha mere paas, phir maine aise kiya, waise kiya…’” (Once people achieve something, they say, ‘I had nothing, and then I did this and that…’), he said.
Qazi revealed that he knew about Arijit’s journey, including his early career and his meeting with a music director, but made it clear that he would not disclose those details on television.
“Kahani mereko pata hai, main thodi na bataunga” (I know the story; why would I reveal it?), he said.
Qazi also praised Arijit’s passion for music and his humility, saying that the singer has remained grounded despite achieving immense success.
“Uske jaisa passion nahi dekha hai. Woh passion ke upar hai. Bachchon wala dil hai uska” (I have never seen anyone with passion like his. He is on another level when it comes to passion. He has a childlike heart), Qazi said, describing Arijit’s dedication and innocence as qualities that set him apart.
Qazi Touqeer and Arijit Singh first met in 2005 on the singing reality show Fame Gurukul, which Qazi won alongside Ruprekha Banerjee.
Arijit finished sixth but went on to become one of India’s leading playback singers, while the two maintained their friendship.
In 2026, Qazi visited Arijit’s hometown, Jiaganj, where the two spent time together, rode a scooter and played cricket.
