On January 27, 2026, a renowned Indian playback singer, Arijit Singh has announced that he will no longer take on new assignments as a playback vocalist. This announcement marks a major shift in the Bollywood music landscape. In a message shared on his verified Instagram account, Singh said, “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. It was a wonderful journey.”
The announcement came on Tuesday, when the 38-year-old artist expressed gratitude to his listeners for their support over the years. Though he confirmed that he would not accept further playback work for films, Singh made it clear he will continue to make music independently and complete pending commitments.
This development has sent ripples across India’s entertainment industry. It left millions of fans shocked, who have come to associate his voice with modern Bollywood music. The singer did not detail the specific reasons behind his decision. His note hinted at a desire to grow creatively outside the constraints of conventional playback assignments.
What Arijit Singh Said
In his Instagram post, Arijit thanked audiences for their long-standing support and wrote that “God has been really kind to me”. He added that he is a “fan of good music”. He adds that he plans to learn more and do more on his own as a small artist, signalling a shift toward independent creative pursuits.
Singh also emphasised that he would honour existing projects and that some releases might still come later in 2026. However, he clarified that he would not stop making music altogether.
The statement triggered widespread reactions from fans and industry peers online. Many expressed surprise and disbelief, while others showed support for his future directions.
Career and Legacy: A Voice of a Generation
Arijit Singh is widely regarded as one of the most influential singers in India’s music history. Born on April 25, 1987, in Murshidabad, West Bengal, he first came into public attention through a reality TV show in 2005. His career breakthrough came with the romantic hit “Tum Hi Ho” from Aashiqui 2 (2013). The song, which instantly established him as a defining voice in contemporary Bollywood music.
Over the next decade, Singh’s voice became synonymous with emotional ballads and chart-topping songs. Tracks like “Channa Mereya,” “Phir Bhi Tumko Chaahunga,” “Kesariya,” and “Hawayein” remain staples on music charts and streaming playlists.
Arijit has also been recognised with multiple National Film Awards for Best Male Playback Singer. He was also conferred the Padma Shri — India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, in 2025, for his contributions to music.
Global Reach and Influence
Singh’s influence extends far beyond India. According to streaming data, he was declared the most-streamed Indian artist on Spotify for seven consecutive years (2019–2025) and remains among the most followed global artists on the platform.w
His vast listening base, spanning millions of followers and listeners worldwide, illustrates how deeply his work has resonated with diverse audiences. His songs not only dominate South Asian music charts but also enjoy significant worldwide streaming success.
Industry Impact and Future Prospects
It will not be wrong to say that Singh’s decision to step back from playback singing marks the end of an era in Bollywood. But it does not signal a halt to his artistic journey. Many observers believe this move could open a new chapter — one focused on independent music, experimentation, and creative freedom.
Singh’s legacy as the voice of a generation is now firmly established. His work has shaped the sound of Indian cinema for more than a decade and will continue to influence future artists and audiences alike.
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