Arijit Singh 'pure passion, no corruption': Fame Gurukul co-star Qazi Touqeer
Synopsis
Two decades after competing on Fame Gurukul, Qazi Touqeer returned to Arijit Singh's hometown and emerged with a portrait of disciplined artistry. Beyond the praise—"no corruption, no insecurity"—Touqeer revealed a musician who runs a cricket academy for local youth and works until 1 AM on music and editing. It's a rare peer endorsement in an industry built on quiet rivalries.
Key Takeaways
Qazi Touqeer and Arijit Singh competed together on Fame Gurukul in 2005 , alongside actor Shahid Kapoor .
Touqeer praised Arijit as "pure passion" with "no corruption, no insecurity, no jealousy towards anyone." Arijit Singh has established a cricket academy in his hometown Jiaganj , West Bengal , for local children.
Touqeer witnessed Arijit's work ethic: music and editing practice from 8:30 PM to 1 AM .
The two hinted at future musical collaboration together.
Qazi Touqeer, who appeared alongside Arijit Singh in the 2005 reality show Fame Gurukul, has offered an unfiltered portrait of the Bollywood singer, calling him a "genius" devoid of corruption, insecurity, or jealousy. In a video shared from Jiaganj in West Bengal—Arijit's hometown—Touqeer chronicled their journey from teenage contestants to accomplished musicians two decades later.
A friendship spanning two decades
The video traces the pair's arc from their 2005 appearance on Fame Gurukul in Mumbai—where they competed alongside actor Shahid Kapoor—to the present day. "We were teenagers then, and now it's 2026, and we're still teenagers at heart," Touqeer said, capturing the nostalgic tone of their reunion. The footage shows the two riding together through Jiaganj's streets, a visual testament to their enduring bond.
What Touqeer said about Arijit
Touqeer's praise was emphatic and specific. "There's no corruption in him, no insecurity, no jealousy towards anyone. He is pure passion. He's real," Touqeer stated. He credited Arijit's family and household staff as "beautiful people" and singled out Arijit's father as "incredible." Touqeer, who lent his voice to the song Afghan Jalebi from the 2015 film Phantom, painted a portrait of a musician fully committed to his craft and community.
The cricket academy and relentless work ethic
Touqeer detailed Arijit's investment in Jiaganj's youth, noting that the singer has established a cricket academy for local children. During a casual match, Arijit took a hit from the ball but continued bowling for another three to four overs without complaint—a moment Touqeer framed as emblematic of their "old school, never-say-die attitude." The evening shifted into a different intensity: from 8:30 PM until 1 AM, Arijit remained absorbed in music practice and editing work, showcasing a discipline that impressed his visiting friend.
Looking ahead
Touqeer concluded by tagging Arijit a "champion," describing him as "strong in his mind, strong in his heart." He hinted at future collaboration, saying, "Arijit and I are definitely going to do something different and fun together." The remarks underscore a rare public endorsement from a peer in an industry often marked by competitive tension.
Point of View
Touqeer's specificity—the 1 AM editing sessions, the never-say-die attitude—reads as credible precisely because it's unglamorous.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Qazi Touqeer and how does he know Arijit Singh?
Qazi Touqeer is a playback singer who appeared alongside Arijit Singh on the 2005 reality show Fame Gurukul in Mumbai, where they competed as teenagers. He later lent his voice to Afghan Jalebi from the 2015 film Phantom. The two have maintained their friendship for over two decades.
What did Qazi Touqeer say about Arijit Singh's character?
Touqeer praised Arijit as a "genius" with "no corruption, no insecurity, no jealousy towards anyone." He described him as "pure passion" and "real," emphasizing the singer's authenticity and commitment to his craft.
What cricket academy did Arijit Singh establish?
Arijit Singh has built a cricket academy in his hometown Jiaganj, West Bengal, for local children. Touqeer witnessed the singer's hands-on involvement during a casual match, noting his relentless work ethic even after taking a hit from the ball.
What is Arijit Singh's work schedule like, according to Touqeer?
Touqeer revealed that Arijit dedicates his evenings to intense music practice and editing work, often continuing from 8:30 PM until 1 AM. This discipline and immersion in his craft impressed Touqeer during his visit to Jiaganj.
Are Qazi Touqeer and Arijit Singh planning to collaborate?
Yes, Touqeer hinted at future collaboration, concluding his video by saying, "Arijit and I are definitely going to do something different and fun together." The specifics of any project have not been announced.
