Bollywood’s leading playback singer Arijit Singh surprised fans with a New Year’s announcement that he will no longer take on new playback singing assignments for films. In an Instagram post, he thanked listeners for their support over the years and said “I’m calling it off,” signalling the end of this chapter of his career. He clarified that he will complete pending commitments and some previously recorded songs may still be released in 2026, and stressed that he does not intend to stop making music entirely. Singh explained in later posts that his decision is personal and long considered, driven in part by a desire to explore different kinds of music, return to his roots, and find fresh inspiration beyond mainstream playback singing. Industry reactions have been mixed, with many fans expressing shock and emotional responses online, celebrating his legacy. Fellow musicians, including Shreya Ghoshal, have reacted with respect and support, noting that Arijit’s decision reflects a deeper artistic calling. Many believe he now wants to focus more on classical and semi-classical music, live performances and pure musicianship, moving away from the commercial pressures of film playback while continuing to evolve creatively.
