MUMBAI — In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Indian film industry and millions of fans worldwide, Arijit Singh announced his retirement from playback singing today, Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
The 38-year-old singer, who has dominated the Bollywood charts for over a decade, shared the news via his Instagram account and his private X (formerly Twitter) handle, Atmojoarjalojo. While he is stepping away from film assignments, Singh clarified that his journey with music is far from over.
1. The Official Announcement
Singh’s note to his fans was both heartfelt and definitive. He expressed gratitude for the “Happy New Year” but delivered the news that many were unprepared for:
- The Statement: “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.”
- The Reason: While he didn’t elaborate on specific reasons, he mentioned a desire to learn more and create as a “small little artist” on his own, signaling a shift toward independent and perhaps classical music.
2. “I Won’t Stop Making Music”
Recognizing the panic his announcement might cause, Arijit quickly clarified that he is not quitting the industry entirely.
- Independent Projects: He will continue to compose, produce, and release music independently.
- Pending Commitments: Fans will still hear his voice in the near future. “I still have to finish some pending commitments… so you might get some releases this year,” he noted.
- Recent Work: The news comes just days after the release of his soulful track “Maatrubhumi” from Salman Khan’s upcoming film Battle of Galwan.
3. A Decade of Dominance: A Look Back
Arijit Singh’s career has been nothing short of legendary. Since his breakout hit in 2013, he has been the go-to voice for every emotion in Hindi cinema.
| Milestone Year | Event / Song | Impact |
| 2005 | Fame Gurukul | Reality show debut; finished in the top 6. |
| 2011 | “Phir Mohabbat” | Hindi film debut (Murder 2). |
| 2013 | “Tum Hi Ho” | Overnight superstardom; redefined Bollywood romance. |
| 2024 | T20 World Cup | His voice provided the anthem for India’s 2024 ICC win. |
| 2025 | Padma Shri | Conferred with India’s fourth-highest civilian award. |
4. Fan Reactions: “Bollywood is Empty”
The internet has been flooded with tributes and expressions of disbelief.
- The “Kohli” Comparison: Many fans likened the shock to Virat Kohli’s sudden Test retirement, marking it as the end of a golden era for Hindi music.
- Versatility vs. Ubiquity: While most are heartbroken, a small section of listeners noted that while his voice is “generational,” his retirement might open doors for more vocal versatility in Bollywood.