Bollywood Heartbroken! Arijit Singh Announces Retirement as a Playback Singer

BERITA SOLO ■ INDIA — The Bollywood music industry and Indian cinema fans across the globe are currently shaken by shocking news. Legendary singer Arijit Singh abruptly announced his retirement as a playback vocalist through his official Instagram account on Tuesday (Jan 27, 2026).

​In the post, which was immediately flooded with millions of comments, the voice behind the phenomenal soundtrack Tum Hi Ho bid farewell and thanked his loyal listeners.

​"Hello, Happy new year to all. I want to thank you all for giving me so much of love all these years as listeners. 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," wrote Arijit Singh.

This decision is undoubtedly a massive blow to the Indian film industry. As a playback vocalist, Arijit Singh was the "golden voice" behind top-tier Bollywood actors.

​Iconic hit songs such as Gerua (Dilwale), Channa Mereya (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil), and Muskurane (Citylights) have accompanied the golden era of Indian cinema for over a decade. It is no wonder that many fans deeply regret his decision to step away from the glitz and glamour of film music.

Even though he will no longer lend his voice to Bollywood actors, Arijit's music career is certainly not entirely over. This decision is widely seen as the legend's transitional step to focus more on releasing independent (indie) music and original albums.

​This bold move has garnered support from fellow musicians. Talin Goklany, a young musician currently building his career as a drummer, sees the silver lining in Arijit Singh's departure from the playback industry.

​"He is retiring. But he's making his own music," stated Talin, implying that Arijit's original works will be even more worth anticipating.

​Now, Indian music lovers must prepare to welcome a new era of Arijit Singh. Even though his voice will no longer echo in theaters accompanying the dance sequences of Shah Rukh Khan or Ranbir Kapoor, his melancholic legacy will remain eternal in the hearts of his fans.