Arijit Singh opens up about the Gerua controversy: It is the colour of monks

After a massive debate over the venue for the concert last month, Arijit Singh performed in Kolkata at Aquatica instead of Eco Park on February 18. During the debate, many said that the singer was denied permission at Eco Park due to his singing Gerua at the inauguration of the Kolkata International Film Festival. 

On December 15, 2022, on the opening stage of the Kolkata International Film Festival, CM Mamata Bandyopadhyay asked Arijit to sing a song, and Arijit did not turn her down. He jokingly said, “The trouble will be over by singing a song,” and sang Rang De Tu Mohe Gerua. That sparked the debate as some experts said that the ruling party of Bengal was miffed by the song for it talks about saffron colour. 

Despite the venue change, the date of his concert did not change. Arijit does not want to be involved in controversies. However, after singing Gerua on the stage of Aquatica, he opened his mouth about the controversy. Arjit said on stage, “Some futile controversies took place regarding this song. Saffron is the colour of the monks. Swami Vivekananda also wore saffron. Would so many controversies happen if he wore white?' 

Arijit also sang several songs by Manna Dey and Hemanta Mukherjee. The TMC MLA Aditi Munsi and her husband Debraj Chakraborty were present to watch the show. Rupam Islam was also present. Arijit came down from the stage and went to Rupam Islam. Together, they sang Ei Ekla Ghar Amar Desh in a duet.