Mumbai, February 10, 2026 – Veteran singer and politician Babul Supriyo has weighed in on Arijit Singh's recent announcement to retire from playback singing, expressing his belief that the decision was made after careful consideration. Arijit Singh, the voice behind countless Bollywood hits, revealed on January 27th that he would no longer be taking on new assignments as a playback vocalist, marking the end of a significant chapter in contemporary Indian music.
The announcement, made via a heartfelt note on social media, has sent shockwaves through the music industry and left fans worldwide expressing their disappointment. Singh, known for his soulful renditions and emotional depth, thanked his listeners for their unwavering support throughout his journey. While he confirmed he would fulfill existing commitments, he stated his intention to focus on projects outside of the film industry, potentially exploring his roots in classical music.
Babul Supriyo, in an exclusive interview, hailed Arijit Singh as an "intelligent genius". He emphasized that Singh's decision wouldn't have been taken lightly and urged fans to respect his choice and await his future musical endeavors. Supriyo's statement reflects a sentiment of understanding and respect for Singh's artistic journey.
The news of Arijit Singh's retirement has sparked varied reactions within the industry. Singer B Praak reacted to Singh's retirement post on Instagram, expressing his admiration and referring to himself as a “fan for life”. Kumar Sanu also commented that Arijit Singh has guts to announce retirement from playback singing at such a young age. Some industry insiders see this as a reflection of the current state of the music industry, with its constant repetition, formulaic songs, and limited space for genuine creativity.
Arijit Singh's career boasts an impressive repertoire of over 300 songs, collaborations with nearly every major Bollywood composer, and numerous awards, including Filmfare and National Film Awards. His voice became synonymous with romance and emotion in Hindi cinema, with hits like 'Tum Hi Ho', 'Raabta', and 'Channa Mereya' solidifying his iconic status. In 2025, he was conferred the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honors, for his contribution to the music industry.
While Arijit Singh's departure from playback singing marks the end of an era for Bollywood music, it also opens new avenues for the artist to explore his musical passions. As he embarks on this new chapter, fans and industry peers alike eagerly anticipate his future projects and celebrate his lasting legacy.