Arijit Singh Announces Retirement from Playback Singing: A Shift to Personal Musical Roots
In a surprising announcement on January 27, 2026, renowned Bollywood playback singer Arijit Singh revealed that he will no longer accept new assignments as a playback vocalist for films. The news, shared via his private X (formerly Twitter) account and Instagram, sent shockwaves through the music industry and left millions of fans heartbroken.
In his heartfelt message, Arijit wrote: “Hello, Happy New Year to all. I want to thank you all for giving me so much love all these years as listeners. I am happy to announce that I am not gonna be taking any new assignments as a playback vocalist from now on. I am calling it off. It was a wonderful journey.”
He emphasized that this decision does not mark the end of his musical career. Arijit clarified that he will honor all pending commitments, with some releases expected in 2026, and will continue creating music independently. “Just to be clear that I won’t stop making music,” he assured fans.
When followers pressed for reasons behind the move, Arijit opened up candidly. He explained that the choice stemmed from multiple factors he had contemplated for a long time. One key reason he highlighted was his tendency to get bored quickly with repetition. This restlessness, he noted, has always pushed him to experiment with arrangements during live performances. Now, he feels ready to explore fresh avenues: “I need to do some other music to live.”
Arijit also expressed enthusiasm about the emergence of new talent, stating, “Another reason is I am excited to hear some singer come up and give me real motivation.” He plans to return to his foundational love for Indian classical music, focusing on his own compositions and staying deeply connected to traditional forms.
The announcement comes at the peak of Arijit’s influence in Hindi cinema. Rising to prominence with his breakthrough hit “Tum Hi Ho” from Aashiqui 2 (2013), he became the defining romantic voice of the 2010s and beyond. Over the years, he delivered timeless tracks like “Channa Mereya,” “Phir Bhi Tumko Chaahunga,” “Hawayein,” “Binte Dil,” and “Kesariya,” earning two National Film Awards for Best Male Playback Singer and the Padma Shri in 2025 for his contributions to Indian music.
Fans and industry figures reacted with a mix of disbelief, sadness, and respect. Comments poured in on social media, with many calling it an “end of an era” and likening the shock to major retirements in other fields. Musicians like Amaal Mallik expressed feeling “lost” but respected the decision. Online discussions, including on Reddit, speculated on creative burnout, vocal strain from consistent high-demand work, or a desire to break free from industry pressures—though Arijit himself pointed to boredom and a craving for renewal.
While Arijit steps away from the repetitive demands of film playback, his legacy as one of Bollywood’s most versatile and emotive voices remains secure. Fans can take comfort in knowing his journey in music continues—just on his own terms, rooted in classical traditions and personal creativity.
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