Arijit Singh Retires From Playback Singing: In a heartfelt announcement that shocked fans across India and around the world, Arijit Singh, the voice behind some of the most emotional songs in Bollywood history, declared that he will no longer take on any new playback singing assignments.
Arijit Singh Retires From Playback Singing
In his statement shared on social media, Singh wrote: “I 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.”
View this post on Instagram
While this may sound like a full retirement from music, Arijit clarified that he won’t stop creating music entirely, and plans to explore independent music and personal creative growth. He also confirmed he will complete previously agreed playback commitments with films releasing in 2026. Confirming this, he posted on X:
Arijit Singh’s Professional Background
Arijit Singh’s journey to stardom wasn’t instant but it became iconic. Born on April 25, 1987, in Jiaganj, Murshidabad, West Bengal, Arijit grew up in a musically rich environment. The musician started studying classical music at an early age. The reality show Fame Gurukul gave him his first chance at fame because he participated in 2005 yet did not win the contest but judges found his singing talent impressive.
He made his first public performance in Bollywood when he sang “Phir Mohabbat” for the movie Murder 2 which he released in 2011 after spending many years in the music industry as a music programmer and assistant. The song drew some attention but it was nothing like what came next.
Breakthrough: “Tum Hi Ho” (Aashiqui 2)
Arijit released “Tum Hi Ho” from Aashiqui 2 in 2013. The romantic anthem describes love which became his main musical theme after its release when it reached national popularity and established him as a famous artist who transformed Bollywood music.
ODI World Cup 2023 Opening Ceremony to Feature Ranveer Singh, Arijit Singh, Shreya Ghoshal, and More
Arijit Singh’s Biggest Hits
These are the songs which each generation knows and vibes into, so considered as biggest hits of his career until now:
1. Tum Hi Ho
Film/Album: Aashiqui 2 (2013)
Composer: Mithoon
2. Channa Mereya
Film/Album: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016)
Composer: Pritam, Lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya
3. Kesariya
Film/Album: Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva (2022)
Composer: Pritam | Lyricist: Amitabh Bhattacharya
4. Raabta
Film/Album: Agent Vinod (2012) / Raabta (2017)
Composer: Pritam | Lyricist: Amitabh Bhattacharya
5. Hawayein
Film/Album: Jab Harry Met Sejal (2017)
6. Agar Tum Saath Ho
Film/Album: Tamasha (2015)
Composed by A.R. Rahman
7. Phir Bhi Tumko Chaahunga
Film/Album: Half Girlfriend (2017)
Composed by Mithoon
8. Samjhawan (Duet with Shreya Ghoshal)
Film/Album: Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014)
9. Muskurane
Film/Album: CityLights (2014)
10. Ae Watan
Film/Album: Raazi (2018)
Awards and Recognition
Arijit’s talent translated into critical acclaim:
- Two National Film Awards: e.g., Binte Dil from Padmaavat, Kesariya from Brahmastra.
- Padma Shri (2025): One of India’s highest civilian honours for his contribution to music.
Heartiest congratulations to Arijit Singh on receiving the prestigious Padma Shri!
From his soulful melodies to his unmatched versatility, Arijit’s music has inspired & moved us all.
This recognition celebrates his immense contribution to the world of music.#PadmaAwards2025 pic.twitter.com/3KPQL5IIIf— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) January 26, 2025
- Multiple Filmfare and industry awards, making him one of the most decorated playback singers of his generation.
Arijit Singh has won 8 Filmfare Awards for Best Male Playback Singer, equalling the record for the most wins in this category.As of 2025, he has also received 2 National Film Awards, the Padma Shri, and over 80 other awards including IIFA, Mirchi Music, and Zee Cine Awards. He was also named the most-followed artist on Spotify with over 151 million followers, notes
The Lows
Arijit started his career as a musician through behind-the-scenes work before he achieved success in films. The critics and fans later claimed that Bollywood overused his voice because he appeared in most major soundtracks. His songs maintained their popularity through all the critiques which proved his enduring musical charm.
Underrated Tracks Every Fan Should Explore
Arijit possesses an incredible collection of songs which he performed that people usually ignore but which should receive more recognition:
- Zara Si Dosti: Happy Bhaag Jayegi (fun and light romantic vibe)
- Saudebaazi: Mary Kom (intense and soulful)
- Poshampa; Qaidi Band (emotional and deep)
- Khamoshiyaan: Khamoshiyaan (hauntingly beautiful)
- Naina Banjare
- Manwa Behrupiya
- Rishton Ke Saare Manzar
These tracks may not have achieved mainstream success like some popular songs yet they demonstrate his ability to perform across various musical styles while displaying both delicate and powerful emotional expressions.
Arijit Singh’s announcement may mark the end of his playback career as we know it but his musical journey will continue to develop. His music has accompanied millions through their most important life events from wedding celebrations to moments of heartbreak and late-night reflections and daily activities.
