An IIT topper, civil servant, Microsoft AI co-founder—and now a classical vocalist who’s taken the internet by storm.
New Delhi | July 26, 2025 –
In a world obsessed with titles, prestige, and rat races, Kashish Mittal has quietly emerged as a symbol of something rare: the courage to follow one’s true calling, no matter the cost.
Once an IAS officer, an IIT ranker, and a Microsoft AI co-founder, Mittal is now going viral for something that rarely trends in this fast-scrolling age—a soul-touching rendition of a Sufi song. His video, singing the timeless “Afreen Afreen,” has crossed 7 million views, and the internet can’t seem to stop watching.
Who Is Kashish Mittal?
- AIR 6 in IIT-JEE
- Cleared UPSC CSE at 21
- Served in the prestigious Ministry of Home Affairs
- Quit IAS to join Microsoft AI Innovation Lab
- Now pursuing a career in classical music and soulful performance
That’s not a resume. That’s a plot twist.
Why He Quit IAS
In a now-viral interview, Mittal says:
“I was successful. But I wasn’t at peace. Music gave me something no designation ever could—freedom, silence, truth.”
This wasn’t a rebellious move. It was a spiritual one. He felt a constant “soul unrest” in the bureaucracy. The structured grind, the rigid culture, and the loss of inner joy made him question his path. And one day, he walked out—not to escape, but to listen.
The Viral Moment
In a modest studio setup, Kashish sang Afreen Afreen—not with the flare of a playback star, but with the depth of someone who’s lived every word.
“Afreen afreen… teri surat jo dekhe, fida ho jaye…”
His pauses. His gaze. The gentle hand gestures. It wasn’t just a performance—it felt like a prayer.
People online described it as:
- “A voice dipped in stillness.”
- “When you leave IAS for art—this is what magic looks like.”
- “Soul meets surrender.”
Reactions Pour In
- Shankar Mahadevan reposted the video, calling it “soul therapy.”
- Bureaucrats and ex-IAS officers shared emotional messages, one writing: “This is not quitting. This is ascending.”
- Classical musicians are stunned by his pitch accuracy and emotional control, especially given he’s never been formally trained in traditional gharanas.
A New Kind of Role Model
In a country where becoming an IAS officer is seen as the peak of success, Kashish redefined success. For young aspirants, his journey is now a symbol of freedom beyond ambition.
He hasn’t turned his back on service. He’s simply found a new form of it—healing through sound.