Arijit Singh, currently touring in the UK, recently addressed a fan’s request to perform his protest song “Aar Kobe,” which he wrote in memory of a rape and murder victim from Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College. The moment was shared on Instagram by user rahul__roy983, featuring a clip from one of Arijit’s shows.
Arijit pauses his performance to respond
While singing “Ramta Jogi” from Taal, Arijit was asked to perform “Aar Kobe.” He paused and said, “This isn’t the right place. People haven’t come here to protest, they’ve come to listen to me. That’s my job. The song you mentioned is close to my heart, but this isn’t the right time or place.”
He went on to say, “If you really care, go to Kolkata. There are many Bengalis here—take action on the streets. That song isn’t monetized and never will be. It’s not copyrighted. Anyone can use it.” After resuming his performance, he reiterated, “The song is not monetized… anyone can use it.” The video caption read, “Arijit Singh gets annoyed when a fan requests him to perform ‘Aar Kobe,’ a protest song he created following the events in Kolkata.”
The release of “Aar Kobe”
Arijit released “Aar Kobe” on his YouTube channel on August 28, crediting himself as the lyricist and composer. The song is dedicated to the victim and “all women who face the horrors of gender-based violence,” according to its official description.
The description adds, “This song is a cry for justice, a lament for the countless women who suffer in silence, and a demand for change. It also honors the voices of doctors nationwide who continue to serve despite the risks they face. This is more than just a protest song—it is a call to action, a reminder that the fight for women’s safety and dignity is ongoing. As we sing, we remember the tireless efforts of doctors, journalists, and students who deserve not just our respect but also our protection.”
The woman, a postgraduate trainee at RG Kar Medical College, was raped and murdered on August 9 in the seminar hall. A civic volunteer with Kolkata Police was later arrested.
