MUMBAI | January 28, 2026 — In a stunning announcement that has shaken the Indian music industry, the "Voice of a Generation," Arijit Singh, has officially declared his retirement from film playback singing. After over a decade of dominating the charts and becoming the most-followed artist on Spotify globally, the singer is stepping away from the cinema recording booth to focus on his independent musical roots.
Sharing the news with his millions of listeners, Arijit expressed deep gratitude for the love he has received since his debut:
"Hello, Happy New Year to all. I want to thank you all for giving me so much 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."
A Legacy of Melodies: The Hits That Defined an Era
As Arijit Singh hangs up his playback microphone, he leaves behind a catalog of music that served as the soundtrack to a billion lives. From the heartbreak of the 2010s to the soulful anthems of the 2020s, here are the milestones of his legendary career:
1. The Breakthroughs (The Rise to Superstardom)
-
Tum Hi Ho (Aashiqui 2): The 2013 mega-hit that transformed him into a household name overnight.
-
Phir Mohabbat (Murder 2): His hauntingly beautiful entry into the Bollywood mainstream.
-
Kabira (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani): A track that became a staple for every road trip and farewell.
2. The Emotional Powerhouses
-
Channa Mereya (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil): Widely regarded as the greatest heartbreak anthem of the modern era.
-
Agar Tum Saath Ho (Tamasha): A masterclass in raw emotion and vocal vulnerability alongside Alka Yagnik.
-
Hamari Adhuri Kahani: A title track that showcased his ability to carry the soul of a film on his voice alone.
3. The Romantic Staples
-
Kesariya (Brahmastra): The viral sensation that earned him his second National Film Award.
-
Hawayein (Jab Harry Met Sejal): A breezy, timeless ballad that remains a favorite for travel enthusiasts.
-
Sajni (Laapataa Ladies): The 2025 hit that earned him a record-equaling 8th Filmfare Award.
4. The Grand Finale (The Recent Masterpieces)
-
Gehra Hua (Dhurandhar, 2025): A deep, experimental track that showed his growth as a musician.
-
Maatrubhumi (Battle of Galwan, 2026): One of his final patriotic masterpieces, released just before this announcement.
What’s Next for Arijit?
While the playback era concludes, Arijit Singh’s relationship with music is far from over. Having recently been honored with the Padma Shri in 2025, the singer plans to shift his focus toward Indian Classical Music and Independent Projects. He has often spoken about his desire to remain a "student of music," and this retirement marks his transition from a commercial powerhouse to a purist of the craft.
The industry loses its most reliable hit-maker, but the world gains "Arijit 2.0"—an artist finally free to explore the sounds closest to his heart.