The Indian entertainment world was left in a state of shock and emotional turmoil on Tuesday as playback singing sensation Arijit Singh announced his retirement from the industry. The announcement, made via social media, sent ripples through Bollywood and among millions of fans who have cherished his soulful voice for over a decade.
Virat Kohli's Heartfelt Tweets Resurface Amid Retirement News
In the wake of Arijit Singh's surprising decision, old tweets by cricket icon Virat Kohli have resurfaced, showcasing the cricketer's deep admiration for the singer. A tweet from January 26, 2016, where Kohli expressed being "one of the biggest fans of Arijit Singh" and "mesmerized by his talent and soulful voice", has gone viral once again.
Another post from October 17, 2017, featuring a photograph of Kohli with Arijit, described the moment as a "pure fanboy moment". Kohli wrote, "What an amazing person he is. No one has captivated me with their voice like this man. God bless you Arijit." These heartfelt messages have added a poignant layer to the retirement news, highlighting the cross-industry respect between two Indian icons.
Fans Draw Striking Parallels Between Two Icons
Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions as fans quickly drew parallels between Arijit Singh's retirement and Virat Kohli's unexpected exit from Test cricket last year. Many users expressed their shock and sadness, noting the similarities in both stars stepping away at the peak of their careers.
- One fan wrote, "Arijit is the Virat Kohli of music. His retirement has left me in shock."
- Another added, "Both chose to retire when they were at the top of their game."
- Some even shared humorous takes, with one user joking, "Kohli retired from tests. Arijit retired from singing. But 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai' is still playing on TV."
Arijit Singh's Future Plans and Reasons Behind the Decision
In his social media announcement, Arijit Singh clarified that he is only stepping back from playback singing, not from music entirely. He revealed plans to focus on Indian classical music and his own compositions, stating, "I will make my own music. Will come up with my music whenever I am ready. I am going back to Indian Classical Music."
When responding to fans on X, Arijit explained that his decision was not sudden, citing multiple reasons including creative restlessness. "One of the reasons is simple, I get bored pretty quick, that's why I keep changing arrangements of the same songs and perform them on stage. So here is the thing, I got bored. I need to do some other music to live," he shared.
He also expressed a desire to make room for new talent, writing, "Another reason is I am excited to hear some singer come up and give me real motivation."
A Look Back at Arijit Singh's Illustrious Career
Arijit Singh's journey in the music industry began in 2010 when he worked as an assistant to composer Pritam. His rapid rise to fame established him as one of Bollywood's most celebrated voices, with numerous hit songs that have become anthems for millions.
- Phir Le Aayaa Dil - A breakthrough track that showcased his unique vocal style
- Tum Hi Ho - The romantic ballad that became a cultural phenomenon
- Kabira - From the film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
- Channa Mereya - The heart-wrenching song from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
- Kesariya - From Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva
- Phir Bhi Tumko Chahunga - Another emotional masterpiece
- Jaan Nisaar - From the film Kedarnath
- Kalank Title Track - The soulful rendition that captivated audiences
His extraordinary talent has been recognized with two National Film Awards for "Binte Dil" and "Kesariya", solidifying his position as one of the most influential playback singers of his generation. Despite his massive success and estimated net worth of Rs 400 crore, Arijit has maintained a humble lifestyle, often choosing to live in his native village and send his children to local schools.
The retirement announcement marks the end of an era in Indian playback singing, but as fans and fellow artists like Virat Kohli have shown through their resurfaced tributes, Arijit Singh's legacy will continue to resonate through his timeless music and the inspiration he has provided to countless aspiring musicians across the country.
