In a move that has surprised and saddened Bollywood music enthusiasts, Arijit Singh, one of India's most beloved singers, has announced his retirement from playback singing. The announcement, made on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, through his social media channels, revealed that he will no longer be taking on new assignments as a playback vocalist.

Singh, whose voice has defined a generation of Bollywood music lovers, conveyed his decision with a message that was both calm and filled with gratitude. "I am calling it off, it was a wonderful journey," he stated, acknowledging the love and support he has received throughout his career. The news has reverberated across the country, leaving many fans emotional and reflective.

The 38-year-old singer clarified that he is not quitting music entirely. He intends to complete his existing commitments and focus on independent music creation and exploration. Singh expressed a desire to learn and create outside the commercial Bollywood system, aiming for personal growth and creative fulfillment.

In a subsequent message on his private X (formerly Twitter) account, Singh elaborated on the reasons behind his decision. He explained that there wasn't a single reason, but rather a combination of factors that led him to this point. One of the primary reasons he cited was boredom, stating that he gets bored quickly and desires to explore new kinds of music instead of repeatedly singing in the same style for films. This desire for change is what prompted him to constantly change the arrangements of his songs during live performances.

Singh also expressed excitement about the prospect of new singers emerging and inspiring him. He looks forward to discovering fresh talent and finding new motivation from their work. Furthermore, he revealed his intention to return to his roots in Indian classical music. "I want to start again," he shared, indicating a desire to reconnect with his foundational musical training and explore new avenues of artistic expression.

While this decision marks the end of an era for Arijit Singh's playback singing career, it also signals the beginning of a new chapter in his musical journey. His move could potentially encourage other artists to explore independent music and challenge the norms of the Bollywood music industry. Fans eagerly anticipate his future endeavors and the new musical landscapes he will explore.