Arijit Singh Announces Retirement From Playback Singing, Signals New Creative Phase: 'I Need To Do Some Other Music To Live'
In a remarkable career spanning nearly two decades, Singh’s voice became synonymous with modern longing.
In an announcement that has shocked and disheartened millions of fans, Arijit Singh — the preeminent vocalist of his generation who delivered many of the most memorable Hindi film songs in recent years — has announced his departure from playback singing, saying he will no longer take on new assignments as a film vocalist.
The announcement, made through a personal New Year message, marks the end of a defining era in Hindi film music, while making clear that Singh is not stepping away from music altogether.
Addressing fans in a series of tweets, Singh expressed his gratitude for the support he has received over the years. “Hello, Happy new year to all. I want to thank you all for giving me so much of love all these years as listeners,” he said, before confirming the decision: “I am happy to announce that l 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.”
Singh stressed that the move was not impulsive but something that he’d been contemplating for a while. “There is not one reason behind this, there are several reasons plus I have been trying to do this since a long time. Finally I have gathered the right courage,” he explained.
Among those reasons, he cited creative boredom and restlessness as his primary drivers. “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. I need to do some other music to live.”
Singh clarified that retirement from playback singing does not mean an end to his musical output. “Just to be clear that I wont stop making music,” he said, signalling a shift rather than a withdrawal. He also confirmed that he will honour existing professional obligations. “I still have to finish some pending commitments will finish them. So you might get some releases this year.”
In a remarkable career spanning nearly two decades, Singh’s voice became synonymous with modern longing, and he went on to dominate soundtracks across languages and genres. According to online data, he has recorded 715 songs across Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu and other languages. He also built a significant touring career with sold-out live shows in India and abroad, and collaborated with international artists like Ed Sheeran and Martin Garrix.
In January this year, Singh had tracks in the war dramas Ikkis and Border 2, and has lent his vocals to the soulful Hum To Tere Hi Liye The in Vishal Bhardwaj’s upcoming romantic actioner, O’Romeo.