Bollywood star Arijit Singh wants to sing the anthem at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The 31-year-old Manchester United fan stated his intention during a visit to Doha where the tournament is due to kick off in under four years’ time.
While there is no official news yet on the FIFA 2022 World Cup Qatar anthem, the singer spoke about his wish while speaking after performing at a concert before thousands of fans at Qatar’s Lusail Sports Arena. “I would love to sing the 2022 WC anthem. It is not every day that you get to do those things. It will be my honour to do that,” he said.
Arijit, who sings mainly in Hindi and Bengali, found fame at 18 when he was spotted on the reality show, Fame Gurukul.
Born in West Bengal and now living in Mumbai, he was the small town boy who has made it big, becoming one of India’s most famous singers, and having won the prestigious Filmfare Award three times. The playback singer made his Bollywood debut in 2011 with ‘Phir Mohabbat’, composed by Mithoon for Murder 2. But he found fame with Tum Hi Ho from Aashiqui, which was a massive Bollywood hit.
Talking about growing up as a football fan in India, Arijit said: “Honestly, we have an environment for cricket in India. So, to be a football fan is a bit different. I started following football in school. There were not many matches on television back then. But now I actually get to follow football more as it is easier to get informed.”
He added: “We understand that Indian football is progressing. The infrastructure is improving so our development is also taking place. We have good players and now we need more challenges so that they can recognise their mistakes and improve.”
Arijit said he was impressed with Qatar’s World Cup plans after being shown the preparations. “Fans will love it in Qatar,” he said. “The culture is fantastic. Qatar has football in its blood. The stadiums are super cool. More than anything, the fans will enjoy the game and the players.”
Arijit has toured extensively throughout the world and was last year presented with an award at London’s SSE Arena, Wembley, the biggest Bollywood concert ever hosted at the venue.
There is no plan yet for Arijit Singh to perform at the 2022 World Cup Qatar.
(Anthony Harwood is an independent contributor)