In a surprising turn of events, Arijit Singh, the voice behind countless Bollywood hits, announced his retirement from playback singing on January 27th, 2026. The announcement, made via his social media accounts, has sent shockwaves through the music industry and left fans heartbroken.

Singh, 38, conveyed his decision with a touch of finality, stating he would not be taking on any new assignments as a playback vocalist, effectively "calling it off". He expressed gratitude to his listeners for their unwavering love and support throughout his journey.

While the news initially sparked widespread speculation about a complete departure from music, Singh clarified that he is not retiring from music entirely. He plans to shift his focus towards independent music projects, composing, and reconnecting with his classical music roots. Songs already recorded or contractually committed will still be released. Describing this period as a "new phase for my creativity," Arijit framed the decision as a conscious shift rather than a farewell.

In the days following the announcement, posts from Singh's private social media accounts have surfaced, shedding light on the reasons behind his decision. According to these posts, Singh admitted to feeling bored with playback singing and expressed excitement about the prospect of new talent emerging in the industry. He stated that he had been contemplating this move for a long time and finally gathered the courage to do so. "One of the reasons was 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," Singh reportedly wrote.

Arijit Singh's voice has been more than just music for many across India and the South Asian diaspora. His songs became emotional touchstones, shaping how an entire generation connected with love, loss, and longing. Tracks like "Tum Hi Ho", "Channa Mereya", "Hawayein", and "Ve Maahi" became anthems, playing through significant life moments and underscoring countless memories.

The singer's decision has ignited conversations within the music industry about the treatment and compensation of singers in the film industry. Some industry insiders have suggested that singers are often exploited and do not receive adequate financial compensation for their work.

Following his announcement, Arijit Singh made his first public appearance, performing with sitar maestro Anoushka Shankar in Kolkata on February 8th, 2026. The performance drew an emotional response from fans, who expressed both sadness and excitement about Singh's new direction. He performed a Bengali song "Maya Bhora Raati" and a duet with Anoushka on "Traces of You".

While Arijit Singh's departure from playback singing marks the end of an era for Bollywood music, it also opens up new avenues for the singer to explore his creativity and connect with his audience in different ways. His legacy as one of the most beloved voices in Indian music remains firmly intact, and fans eagerly anticipate his future musical endeavors.