Arijit Singh Announces Retirement from Playback Singing, Sending Shockwaves Through Bollywood
In a move that has stunned the music industry, renowned singer Arijit Singh declared his retirement from playback singing on Tuesday night, January 28, 2026. Through a heartfelt social media post, he announced that he will no longer accept new assignments as a playback vocalist, marking what many are calling an end of an era in Indian film music. The announcement has elicited widespread reactions from fellow artists and composers, who expressed both shock and admiration for his decision.
Arijit Singh's Retirement Announcement and Clarification
Arijit Singh took to Instagram to share his decision, stating, "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 going to 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 retirement applies only to playback singing and not to music as a whole. In a series of tweets from his private account, Atmojoarjalojo, he further clarified, "GOD has been really kind to me. I am a fan of good music and in the future will be learning more and doing more on my own as a small little artist. Thanks again for all your support. Just to be clear, I won’t stop making music. I still have to finish some pending commitments, and I will finish them, so you might get some releases this year."
Industry Reactions: From Shock to Heartfelt Tributes
The news prompted immediate responses from key figures in the film and music industry. Music composer Toshi Sabri expressed his dismay, saying, "It’s very sad news not just for listeners, but composers too. Many composers often create something keeping Arijit’s vocals in their minds. Some songs are such that they cannot be big without Arijit’s voice. It’s a big shock for the music industry. I am not very happy with this news. He has sung many songs for me and my brother Sharib, and they have been blockbusters. I was planning to do something with him in my upcoming big ventures, so it’s sad."
Veteran singer Udit Narayan offered a more reflective perspective, noting, "Arijit did great work in very little time. From awards, rewards, fame, money, and stage craze, he saw all of it in its best form. It’s his decision if he wishes to retire, but he won’t leave music. It’s his choice, but his work is etched in people’s heart and it will forever be there." This sentiment was echoed by others who commented on his post, including music composer Amaal Mallik, who wrote, "So lost after hearing this….I don’t get it, but I respect your decision! Just know that I was, I am, & will always remain an Arijit Singh fan. If this is where it’s at, then make no mistake that film music will never be the same without you, my bro. Grateful to be born in your era."
Singer Chinmayi Sripada shared a heartfelt note on X, highlighting Arijit's spiritual depth, "I remember meeting Arijit when he recorded me for Pritam sir – and I remember telling him how he is not ruling Bollywood or something – Tum Hi Ho hadn’t been released then. I worked with him a few times after he became the most in-demand singer, and nothing had changed. He is one of my favourite musicians, singers, and overall, one of the finest, and I daresay, spiritually evolved human beings I have come across. I always felt he was someone who worked and operated from a higher calling; whatever he had planned for himself as a musician would be nothing short of divine."
Arijit Singh's Legacy and Musical Journey
Arijit Singh's career, which began in 2010 by assisting composer Pritam, has been marked by numerous iconic hits that have left an indelible mark on Indian music. Some of his most celebrated songs include:
- Phir Le Aayaa Dil
- Tum Hi Ho
- Kabira
- Channa Mereya
- Kesariya
- Phir Bhi Tumko Chahunga
- Jaan Nisaar
- Kalank's title track
His most recent contribution was the song Gehra Hua from the blockbuster film Dhurandhar. Over the years, Arijit has garnered critical acclaim, winning two National Awards for his renditions of Binte Dil and Kesariya. His decision to step back from playback singing is seen as a significant shift, but his commitment to continuing his musical journey in other forms offers a glimmer of hope to his fans and the industry at large.
