Arunita Kanjilal is a rising star in the Indian music industry, celebrated for her soulful voice and captivating performances. Born on January 18, 2003, in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, Arunita has swiftly ascended from a small-town talent to a national sensation, thanks to her remarkable journey on reality shows like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs and Indian Idol 12. At just 22 years old, she has carved a niche as a playback singer and live performer, enchanting audiences with her versatility in classical, semi-classical, and Bollywood music.
Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Arunita Kanjilal |
| Date of Birth | January 18, 2003 |
| Age | 22 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Bangaon, Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Profession | Playback Singer, Reality Show Contestant |
| Education | Schooling at St. Xavier’s School, Kolkata; pursuing graduation at University of Kolkata |
| Family | Father: Avni Bhushan Kanjilal (Professor); Mother: Shravani Kanjilal (Trained Singer); Brother: Anish Kanjilal |
| Musical Training | Started at age 4; trained by maternal uncle, Ravindra Ganguly (Pune), Nandita Chowdhury (Kolkata) |
| Debut | Zee Bangla Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs (2013, Winner) |
| Notable Achievements | Winner of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs (2013); 1st Runner-Up, Indian Idol 12 (2021); Top 5 in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs (2014, Zee TV) |
| Mentors | Monali Thakur (Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs, 2014) |
| Musical Influences | Shreya Ghoshal, Hariharan, Kumar Sanu |
| Instruments Played | Harmonium, Tanpura, Sitar |
| Notable Songs | “O Sayyoni,” “Dil Haaraa,” “Manzoor Dil,” “Piya Ji Ke Sanng,” “Is Dil Ko” |
| Net Worth | Approx. ₹2-4 crore (as of 2025) |
| Relationship Status | Unmarried; rumored relationship with Pawandeep Rajan (Indian Idol 12 co-contestant) |
| Social Media Presence | Instagram: @arunitakanjilal (2M+ followers); YouTube channel with song covers |
| Key Performances | Performed with Shaan; youngest Indian to perform at Wembley SSE Arena, London (age 18) |
| Hobbies | Singing, cooking, shopping, gossip |
| Religion | Hinduism (Brahmin caste, Kabya Kupja Brahmins) |
| Height | 5 feet 2 inches (155-161 cm) |
| Weight | 45-50 kg |
Early Life and Education
Arunita Kanjilal was born into a musically inclined, middle-class Bengali family in Bangaon, Kolkata. Her father, Avni Bhushan Kanjilal, is a professor of classical music, and her mother, Sharbani Kanjilal, is a trained singer who nurtured Arunita’s passion for music. Arunita’s early exposure to music came through her mother and maternal uncle, Dilip Halder, who served as her first guru. She began formal classical music training at the age of four, showcasing an extraordinary talent that set her apart.
Arunita completed her schooling at St. Xavier’s School in Kolkata and later enrolled at the University of Kolkata to pursue her graduation. Her academic journey was complemented by rigorous music training under mentors like Nandita Chaudhary and Ravindra Ganguly in Pune, which honed her skills in Indian classical and semi-classical music. Her dedication to music was evident from her participation in local events like Durga Pooja and Saraswati Pooja, where she performed as a child.
Arunita Kanjilal Career
Breakthrough with Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs (2013)
Arunita’s musical journey gained momentum at the age of 10 when she participated in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs on Zee Bangla in 2013. Her impeccable performances, marked by versatility and emotional depth, led her to win the competition. This victory was a turning point, earning her recognition and her first playback singing opportunity for the Bengali film Aparichit, with music composed by Kumar Sanu. In 2014, she competed in the national version of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs on Zee TV, reaching the top five under the mentorship of Monali Thakur and earning the title “Manch Ka Guroor.”
Rise to Fame with Indian Idol 12 (2020-2021)
Arunita’s national breakthrough came with Indian Idol 12 in 2020. Her audition performance of “Ae Re Pawan” mesmerized judges Neha Kakkar, Vishal Dadlani, and Himesh Reshammiya, securing her a golden ticket. Throughout the season, her soulful renditions and chemistry with co-contestant Pawandeep Rajan captivated audiences. Notable performances included duets like “Manwa Lage” and “In Dino,” earning praise from judges and guest celebrities like Shilpa Shetty and Geeta Kapoor. Arunita finished as the first runner-up, solidifying her status as a household name.
Playback Singing and Live Performances
Post-Indian Idol, Arunita ventured into playback singing for Bollywood, contributing to tracks like “O Saiyyonii” and “Dil Haaraa” from Himesh Reshammiya’s album Himesh Ke Dil Se. She has also performed at numerous live events, including international shows with Bollywood singer Shaan in cities like Los Angeles, Houston, and Long Beach. Her YouTube channel, Arunita Official, launched in 2017, features her music videos and covers, further expanding her reach. Arunita’s versatility extends to playing instruments like the harmonium and Tansen Tanpura, adding depth to her performances.
Recent Achievements
As of 2025, Arunita continues to collaborate with prominent music directors and artists. She has secured recording contracts with industry giants like Bappi Lahiri, Himesh Reshammiya, Karan Johar, and Octopus Studio. Her ability to sing in multiple languages, including Bengali, Hindi, and Marathi, has made her a sought-after talent in the industry.
Arunita Kanjilal Net Worth
Arunita Kanjilal’s estimated net worth in 2025 ranges between ₹2-4 crore (approximately $240,000-$480,000 USD). Her primary income sources include playback singing, live performances, reality show appearances, brand endorsements, and social media collaborations. Reports suggest she charges ₹1-1.5 lakh per song and ₹3-5 lakh for stage performances. Her growing popularity is expected to further increase her net worth in the coming years.
Arunita Kanjilal Family
Arunita comes from a close-knit family that has been instrumental in her success. Her father, Avni Bhushan Kanjilal, is a respected classical music professor, while her mother, Sharbani Kanjilal, is a homemaker and trained singer who inspired Arunita’s musical journey. There is conflicting information about her siblings; some sources claim she is an only child, while others mention a brother named Anish Kanjilal. Arunita shares a particularly strong bond with her mother, often crediting her as her biggest inspiration and supporter.
Arunita Kanjilal Personal Life
Arunita Kanjilal is known for her grounded and modest lifestyle despite her rising fame. She is passionate about music, travel, photography, cooking, and playing musical instruments. Her favorite foods include biryani, aloo parantha, pizza, and pastries, and she enjoys beverages like juice, tea, and coffee. Arunita is an admirer of legendary singers like Lata Mangeshkar, Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chauhan, Hariharan, and Kumar Sanu.
Rumors about her relationship with Indian Idol 12 winner Pawandeep Rajan have circulated widely, fueled by their on-screen chemistry and joint performances. However, both have consistently denied romantic involvement, stating they are close friends. As of 2025, Arunita remains unmarried and focused on her career, with no confirmed details about her personal relationships.
Arunita Kanjilal Cars and Lifestyle
Arunita leads a comfortable yet unostentatious lifestyle. She owns a modest car collection, including a Tata Nano (valued at approximately ₹3 lakh) and a Tata Nexon (valued at around ₹7 lakh). Some sources also mention a Maruti Swift, worth about $60,000 USD, though this is unconfirmed. She resides in a cozy, well-appointed house in Kolkata with her family, featuring three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a small garden. Her social media posts reflect a balance of professional achievements and personal moments, showcasing her love for sarees, especially Bengali designs.
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FAQs
What is Arunita Kanjilal’s age?
Arunita Kanjilal was born on January 18, 2003, making her 22 years old as of May 2025.
Is Arunita Kanjilal married?
No, Arunita Kanjilal is not married. She is currently focused on her music career.
What is Arunita Kanjilal’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is ₹2-4 crore as of 2025, derived from singing, live shows, and endorsements.
Who are Arunita Kanjilal’s parents?
Her father is Avni Bhushan Kanjilal, a classical music professor, and her mother is Sharbani Kanjilal, a trained singer and homemaker.
What cars does Arunita Kanjilal own?
Arunita reportedly owns a Tata Nano, Tata Nexon, and possibly a Maruti Swift.
Did Arunita Kanjilal win Indian Idol 12?
No, she was the first runner-up. Pawandeep Rajan won the season.
What was Arunita Kanjilal’s net worth in 2021?
In 2021, Arunita Kanjilal’s net worth was estimated to be approximately ₹1–2 crore. This estimation primarily stems from her participation as the first runner-up on Indian Idol 12, which significantly boosted her visibility and earnings.
What was Arunita Kanjilal’s net worth in 2022?
By 2022, Arunita’s net worth was estimated to have grown to ₹2–3 crore. This increase was fueled by her post-Indian Idol 12 fame, which led to more lucrative opportunities such as stage performances, playback singing, and her role as a team captain on Superstar Singer Season 2.
What was Arunita Kanjilal’s net worth in 2023?
In 2023, estimates of Arunita Kanjilal’s net worth was ₹2–4 crore. Her income sources included playback singing, live performances, reality show appearances, and social media sponsorships. Sources report she earned ₹1–1.5 lakh per song and over ₹3 lakh per reality show appearance, with additional revenue from international performances, such as those with Shaan.
What was Arunita Kanjilal’s net worth in 2024?
As of 2024, Arunita Kanjilal’s net worth is estimated to be around ₹2–4 crore, though some sources suggest a more conservative range of ₹1–1.5 crore. Her primary income streams include playback singing for songs like O Sayyoni and Dil Haaraa, stage performances (₹3–4 lakh per show), and reality show appearances.
Social Media Handle
Instagram: @arunitakanjilal
