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 on his social media accounts on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, has left fans in disbelief, prompting an outpouring of emotions and reflections on his impactful career. Singh, however, clarified that he will continue to make music independently and honor his existing commitments.
Singh's decision appears to stem from a desire for personal growth and creative freedom. He expressed a wish to focus on learning, exploring music independently, and working as a "small little artist" without the pressures of commercial playback singing. Singh also stated that he intends to return to Indian classical music.
His journey to becoming one of India's most sought-after vocalists began in Jiaganj, West Bengal, where he was introduced to music at a young age. His formal training included instruction from classical music legends, and he also learned to play the harmonium and tabla. Singh's initial foray into the limelight was through the reality show "Fame Gurukul" in 2005. Although he didn't win the competition, it served as a launchpad for his career. He made his playback debut in 2011 with "Phir Mohabbat" from the film "Murder 2". The song "Tum Hi Ho" from "Aashiqui 2" in 2013 proved to be his breakthrough, catapulting him to widespread recognition and solidifying his position in the industry.
Over the past decade, Arijit Singh has captivated millions of fans globally, contributing to over 300 songs in various languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, and Telugu. His ability to evoke emotions through his voice has made him a relatable and phenomenal success. Singh's adaptability has allowed him to seamlessly transition between genres, from romantic ballads to high-energy tracks.
Singh's extraordinary talent and hard work have translated into substantial financial success. His estimated net worth stands at approximately Rs 414 crore ($50 million), making him one of India's highest-paid singers. A significant portion of his earnings comes from live concerts and stage performances. Ticket prices for his concerts in India typically range from ₹2,000 to ₹80,000, depending on the city, venue, and seating category. Premium lounge tickets for one of his Pune concerts were reportedly sold for as high as ₹16 lakh. He reportedly earns ₹70 crore annually through brand endorsements and live performances. For film songs, Arijit Singh reportedly charges between ₹8 lakh and ₹10 lakh per song. Some reports suggest he charges even higher amounts. Music composer Monty Sharma revealed that Arijit Singh takes ₹2 crore per performance. He is also believed to charge around ₹1.4 crore for a two-hour live concert.
In addition to his income from singing, Singh has also invested in real estate. He owns four apartments in a building in Mumbai's Versova area, each valued at approximately ₹9 crore. His car collection includes a Range Rover Vogue, a Hummer H3, and a Mercedes-Benz. Arijit also runs a low-cost eatery named Heshel in Jiaganj, serving affordable meals at just ₹40, reflecting his commitment to his community.
While Arijit Singh's retirement from playback singing marks the end of an era for Bollywood music, his fans can take solace in the fact that he will continue to create music independently. His decision is seen as a transition towards artistic self-discovery, allowing him to reconnect with music on his own terms.
