The Indian music industry and countless fans are reeling from the unexpected announcement of Arijit Singh's retirement from playback singing at the age of 38. The news, shared via his social media accounts on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, has sent shockwaves across the nation.

Arijit Singh, whose voice has been synonymous with Bollywood romance and heartbreak for over a decade, stated in his social media post that he would no longer be taking on new assignments as a playback vocalist. "Hello, Happy new year to all. I want to thank you all 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,” he wrote.

The singer's decision comes as a surprise, especially considering his continued popularity and recent release of "Maatrubhumi" from Salman Khan's Battle Of Galwan. Fans have reacted with disbelief, with some initially questioning if Singh's account had been compromised.

Singh has clarified that he is stepping away from playback singing to focus on classical music and concerts. Addressing speculation about his reasons, Arijit stated, "There is not one reason behind this, there are several reasons," and indicated his desire to explore other musical avenues and personal projects. He also admitted that creative restlessness played a role in his decision, stating, "I get bored pretty quick I need to do some other music to live".

Industry insiders and colleagues have also weighed in on Arijit's decision. Reacting to Arijit Singh's announcement, astrologer Vikkramm Chandirramani stated, “Arijit Singh's stature will rise. This announcement marks the beginning of a new phase in his life, not a decline". Chandirramani believes that Singh is currently in his Sade Sati, a period of deep re-evaluation, where artists reassess their purpose and direction.

Arijit Singh's contribution to Bollywood has been immense. His soulful voice and versatile singing style have made him a favorite among music lovers of all ages. His discography boasts numerous chart-topping hits, and he has received several awards and accolades for his work.

While his retirement from playback singing marks the end of an era, fans can take solace in the fact that Arijit Singh will continue to create music and explore new artistic horizons. The music industry awaits his next chapter, with many hoping that he will return to playback singing in the future.