In a surprising announcement that has reverberated throughout the Indian music industry, Arijit Singh, the voice behind countless Bollywood hits, has declared his retirement from playback singing. The news, shared via his Instagram account on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, has left fans and industry insiders alike in a state of shock and reflection.
Singh, 38, conveyed his decision with a message that thanked his listeners for their unwavering support over the years. "Hello, Happy new year to all. I want to thank you for giving me so much of 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. God has been really kind to me. I am fan of good music and in future will be learning more and do more on my own as a small little artist. Thanks again for all your support".
While the announcement was sudden, Singh clarified that he intends to honor his existing commitments, meaning fans can still anticipate new releases featuring his voice in the coming year. However, his focus will shift towards independent music and exploring his creativity on his own terms, free from the constraints of the commercial film industry.
In explaining his decision, Arijit Singh stated, "One of the reasons were 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". This suggests a desire for artistic exploration and a need to constantly evolve as a musician. Singh is looking forward to staying connected to Indian classical traditions and drawing inspiration from upcoming singers.
The news has triggered an outpouring of emotions on social media, with fans expressing gratitude, disbelief, and a sense of loss. Many have described his voice as irreplaceable, acknowledging his significant impact on the soundscape of Bollywood music in recent years. "No Arijit Singh you can not retire," one fan wrote, encapsulating the sentiments of many.
Arijit Singh's journey to becoming one of India's most sought-after vocalists began in 2005 as a contestant on the reality show "Fame Gurukul". His playback singing debut came in 2011 with "Phir Mohabbat," but it was the massive success of "Tum Hi Ho" from "Aashiqui 2" in 2013 that catapulted him to stardom. In 2025, he was awarded the Padma Shri for his contributions to music.
Singh's decision marks the end of an era in Bollywood music. While the reasons for his departure are multifaceted, it is clear that his voice has left an indelible mark on a generation of music lovers. As he embarks on a new chapter, fans and industry professionals alike are eager to see what he creates as he explores his musical independence.
