Mumbai: In a move that has taken fans and the music industry by surprise, celebrated singer Arijit Singh has announced that he is stepping away from playback singing for films. The announcement came through a social media post late Tuesday night, where the two-time National Award winner extended New Year wishes before revealing his decision to no longer accept film singing assignments.
The announcement comes shortly after the release of “Maatrubhumi”, a song sung by Arijit Singh alongside Shreya Ghoshal for the upcoming Salman Khan-starrer Battle of Galwan, which was released online ahead of Republic Day. The timing of the decision has sparked widespread discussion, but those familiar with the singer say the move has been a long time coming.
In his post, Arijit Singh explained that his decision was not triggered by a single factor. Instead, it was the result of years of contemplation. He candidly admitted that creative restlessness played a role, stating that he tends to lose interest quickly, which is why he often alters arrangements of the same song during live performances. According to the singer, he finally found the courage to act on a thought he had been carrying for years.
A Career That Defined an Era
To understand the weight of Arijit Singh’s decision, one must look at his extraordinary journey in the music industry. He first came into public view as a contestant on the 2005 reality show Fame Gurukul, from which he was eliminated before the finale. His playback debut arrived in 2010 with the Telugu film Kedi, but his breakthrough in Hindi cinema came with Murder 2 in 2011 through the song Phir Mohabbat Karne Chala Hai Dil.
However, it was Aashiqui 2 in 2013 that transformed Arijit Singh into a household name. Since then, he has recorded over 800 songs, including film tracks and independent releases—an output that averages more than 50 songs a year. Alongside singing, he has also ventured into music composition, notably for the film Pagglait, and has maintained a demanding schedule of concerts and international tours.
For nearly 15 years, his voice has been a constant presence in Indian popular music, cutting across languages and genres. At a time when competition among singers from reality shows and digital platforms is intense, Arijit Singh’s distinct style carved out an unmatched space in the industry.
A Life Away from the Spotlight
Despite unprecedented success, Arijit Singh has always remained distant from Bollywood’s social circuit. Raised in Murshidabad, West Bengal, he has largely stayed away from celebrity gatherings and limited his media appearances. Much of his recording work has been done from his personal studio in Murshidabad, with trips to Mumbai reserved only for essential work, shows, or tours.
Industry insiders say that after more than a decade of relentless work, the emotional and creative fatigue associated with film music may have influenced his decision. Playback singing often involves navigating creative constraints shaped by scripts, commercial expectations, and production demands—limitations that can weigh heavily on an artiste over time.
According to those close to him, Arijit Singh has experienced the peak of success, fame, and financial stability. What he now seeks is artistic freedom—music that is created without boundaries and on his own terms.
Not an End, But a New Beginning
In his announcement, Arijit Singh clarified that he is not walking away from music altogether. He stated that while he will no longer take on new playback singing assignments, he remains grateful for the journey and the love he has received from listeners over the years.
While fans are still grappling with the news, many believe this marks the beginning of a new phase rather than a farewell. Some see it as a potential boost for independent music, while others hope the decision is temporary. For now, the singer has chosen silence beyond his statement, leaving fans to wait for answers in the voice they have grown inseparable from.
