In a move that has stunned the music industry and millions of fans worldwide, celebrated Bollywood playback singer Arijit Singh has declared he is stepping away from recording songs for films. The 38-year-old vocalist, whose voice has been synonymous with blockbuster soundtracks for more than ten years, made the surprise announcement via social media on Tuesday.
A Shift in Artistic Direction
Singh posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing his gratitude to listeners for their unwavering support throughout his illustrious career. He stated clearly that he would not be accepting any new assignments as a playback vocalist moving forward, describing his journey in the film industry as "wonderful" but now concluded.
For those unfamiliar with the term, playback singers in Indian cinema are professional vocalists who record songs that actors later lip-sync on screen. Singh's decision to withdraw from this role sent shockwaves across social media platforms, with numerous fans expressing disbelief and even speculating that his account might have been compromised.
Clarification and Future Plans
The singer later took to X to clarify that his announcement did not signify a complete departure from music. Instead, he revealed his intention to return to his roots in Indian classical music, a discipline he studied formally from the age of three.
According to reports from the Times of India, Singh cited multiple reasons for his decision, noting he had finally "gathered the right courage" to make this significant change. One key factor he highlighted was a sense of creative restlessness.
"I get bored pretty quick, that's why I keep changing arrangements of the same songs and perform them on stage. So, here is the thing, I got bored. I need to do some other music to live," Singh explained in his social media posts.
He elaborated on his future aspirations, expressing a desire to "go back to making music" and to "start again" as a "small little artist." Singh emphasised his lifelong admiration for good music and his plan to dedicate more time to learning and creating independently.
Honouring Existing Commitments
Importantly, Singh assured his global fanbase that he still has several "pending commitments" that he intends to honour, promising that audiences can look forward to these releases throughout the current year. He concluded his statements with a clear reassurance: "Just to be clear that I won’t stop making music."
A Storied Career
Born in Murshidabad, eastern India, Singh's musical journey began exceptionally early. He started formal training at just three years old, mastering Indian classical music and learning to play the tabla. By the age of nine, his prodigious talent earned him a government scholarship in classical vocals, setting him on a path toward a professional music career.
His breakthrough arrived in 2005 when he participated in the reality television show Fame Gurukul at 18. Although he did not win the competition, his popularity soared. Singh later revealed he auditioned on his teacher's encouragement, who feared classical music was diminishing, and he wanted to test his abilities in a contemporary format.
Singh made his Bollywood debut in 2011 with the song "Phir Mohabbat" for the film Murder 2. His career-defining moment came two years later with the smash hit "Tum Hi Ho" from Aashiqui 2, which cemented his status as a leading playback singer. Over the years, he has collaborated with some of the industry's most renowned composers, including AR Rahman, Pritam, and Amit Trivedi.
International Acclaim and Milestones
Beyond Bollywood, Singh has forged significant international partnerships. Last year, he released the English-Punjabi fusion track "Sapphire" with British superstar Ed Sheeran and the single "Weightless" with Dutch DJ Martin Garrix.
His global appeal was further demonstrated in September when he became the first Indian artist to headline a British stadium, performing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This landmark event followed a sold-out concert at London's O2 Arena the previous year, which featured a surprise duet of "Perfect" with Ed Sheeran, thrilling the audience.
As Arijit Singh embarks on this new chapter focused on classical exploration, the music world watches with keen interest, anticipating the artistic evolution of one of India's most beloved vocal talents.
