Bollywood singer Arijit Singh announces he will stop taking playback roles but continue making music independently
RENOWNED Bollywood singer Arijit Singh has announced that he is stepping away from his career as a playback singer, revealing the news in an Instagram post shared on Tuesday night.
The 38-year-old, widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in the Indian music industry, thanked listeners for their unwavering support over the years as he explained his decision to stop accepting new playback singing assignments.
“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,” Arijit wrote.
However, he clarified that he is not quitting music altogether. Emphasising his passion for creativity, Arijit said he plans to continue learning and making music independently.
“I am a fan of good music and, in the future, will be learning more and doing more on my own as a small little artist,” he shared, signalling a shift towards working as an independent musician.
Arijit also noted that he still has a few pending playback commitments, which are expected to be released this year, and reassured fans that he has no intention of stopping music entirely.
Fans reacted with mixed emotions to the announcement. One user commented, “This isn’t retirement, rather this is artistic freedom,” pointing to long-standing concerns about record label exploitation faced by artists.
Another fan wrote, “I personally feel he was extremely overused in Bollywood. I hope Arijit Da now gets the time to experiment with his music, spend time with his family, and travel the country as a common man.”
Some fans, however, were left confused, with one asking, “Why is this beautiful Penguin walking away?”
Arijit rose to fame with the 2013 hit Tum Hi Ho from Aashiqui 2 and has since cemented his place as a Bollywood chart-topper, lending his voice to more than 700 songs over the past 13 years.
Known for his deep, emotive vocals, he has delivered countless beloved tracks such as Agar Tum Saath Ho, Channa Mereya, Samjhawan, Kesariya, Kabira and Hawayein.
Among Malaysian fans, his most popular song remains Janam Janam from Dilwale (2015), which gained massive popularity among Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol fans.
Beyond Bollywood, Arijit has also sung in South Indian films, including Naan Un from 24 (2016), composed by A.R. Rahman, and Neeye Vaazhkai Enben from Pugazh (2015).
