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Bollywood singer Arijit Singh announces retirement from playback singing: “I am calling it off”

The surprise announcement triggered an outpouring of shock and emotion from fans, many of whom struggled to imagine Bollywood music without his voice.

TAS News Service

info@thearabianstories.com

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

MUMBAI: For over a decade, Arijit Singh’s voice has been the emotional backbone of modern Bollywood — carrying love, heartbreak, longing and hope across generations of filmgoers. Now, in a move that has stunned fans and the film industry alike, the singer has announced that he is stepping away from playback singing for films.

The announcement came quietly, through a message shared with his followers, but its impact was immediate. Arijit said he would no longer accept new assignments as a playback singer, calling his journey in Hindi cinema “wonderful” and expressing gratitude for the love he has received over the years.

From soul-stirring romantic ballads to melancholic anthems of loss, Arijit’s voice became inseparable from the cinematic experience of the 2010s. Songs like Tum Hi Ho, Channa Mereya, Raabta and Agar Tum Saath Ho didn’t just top charts — they became personal soundtracks for millions, shaping how emotions were expressed in Hindi films.

Yet, despite his towering success, Arijit’s career has never been about celebrity spectacle. Known for his low-key personality and reluctance to embrace stardom, he has often spoken about the pressures of the film music system and his desire to remain grounded in the craft rather than the spotlight.

Importantly, the singer has clarified that he is not quitting music altogether. Instead, he intends to focus on learning, experimenting and creating beyond the boundaries of film playback. Describing himself as a “small little artist,” Arijit hinted at a future rooted in independent expression rather than commercial formulas.

The reaction from fans has been a mix of disbelief, sadness and respect. Social media was flooded with tributes, memories and emotional messages, with many struggling to imagine Bollywood without the voice that defined an era of its music.

While the curtain may be falling on Arijit Singh’s chapter as a film playback singer, his musical journey is far from over. If anything, this decision signals a quieter, more personal phase — one that may allow audiences to rediscover the artist beyond the movies.

For Bollywood, however, the silence he leaves behind will be hard to fill.

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