In a move that has taken the music industry and his vast fan following by surprise, singer Arijit Singh on Tuesday announced that he is stepping away from playback singing and will not accept any new assignments.
The announcement was made through a message shared on his social media platforms, where the celebrated vocalist said he had decided to call time on his journey as a playback singer, even as he continues to remain one of the most sought-after voices in Indian cinema.
“Hello, Happy New Year to all. I want to thank you all for giving me so much love all these years as listeners. I am happy to announce that I am not going to be taking any new assignments as a playback vocalist from now on. I am calling it off. It was a wonderful journey,” Singh wrote.
The statement immediately triggered an emotional outpouring online, with fans expressing disbelief, concern and hope that the decision might be reconsidered.
Social media was flooded with reactions, ranging from shock and denial to heartfelt messages urging the singer to take time for himself and return when ready.
Arijit Singh, who is also a composer, music producer and instrumentalist, first came into the public eye as a contestant on the reality show Fame Gurukul in 2005.
He made his Hindi film playback debut in 2011 with Phir Mohabbat from Murder 2, but it was Tum Hi Ho from Aashiqui 2 (2013) that catapulted him to national fame and earned him his first Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer.
Over the years, Singh has delivered a string of chart-topping and emotionally resonant songs that have defined a generation of Hindi film music. His repertoire includes popular tracks such as Channa Mereya, Agar Tum Saath Ho, Raabta, Kesariya, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Tera Yaar Hoon Main and Tujhe Kitna Chahne Lage, showcasing his ability to seamlessly traverse romantic ballads, soulful melodies and energetic numbers.
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His most recent release, Ghar Kab Aaoge from Border 2, once again struck a chord with listeners.
The reimagined version has been composed by Mithoon, with lyrics by Manoj Muntashir Shukla, based on the original composition by Anu Malik and lyrics by Javed Akhtar, and features vocals by multiple artists including Singh.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential playback singers of his generation, Arijit Singh has received numerous Filmfare Awards and accolades for his contribution to Indian cinema.
Beyond Hindi films, he has also sung in several regional languages, extending his musical reach across the country.
His announcement marks the end of an era for contemporary Bollywood music, even as fans continue to hope for a change of heart.
