Singer Arijit Singh has announced his retirement from playback singing, a decision that has stunned fans and sparked widespread discussion across social media. The acclaimed vocalist shared the news in a heartfelt New Year message, thanking listeners for years of support and confirming that he will not take on any new assignments as a playback singer.
Arijit Singh has announced his retirement from playback singing. He clarified that he will continue making music and has releases planned till 2026 but will not sign new films.#Trending #ArijitSingh pic.twitter.com/Djft81JAi6
— Filmfare (@filmfare) January 27, 2026
“Hello, Happy New Year to all. I want to thank you all for giving me so much love all these years as listeners,” Singh wrote. “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.”
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The announcement immediately triggered speculation about whether the singer was stepping away from music entirely. Singh later clarified through a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), under his handle Atmojoarjalojo, that he will continue to make music in other capacities. “GOD has been really kind to me,” he wrote, adding that he plans to keep learning and creating music “as a small little artist.” He also reassured fans: “Just to be clear that I won’t stop making music.”
Singh noted that he will honour existing commitments, meaning listeners can still expect some releases in the coming year. However, his voice will no longer feature in new film soundtracks as a playback singer.
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Fans responded with a mix of disbelief, admiration and sadness. One user compared the moment to “a Virat Kohli Test retirement level of shock,” while others called the decision brave, saying it proves that “money is not everything.” Some welcomed the move, arguing it could open space for more vocal diversity in Bollywood, while many expressed hope that the announcement would turn out to be false.
Arijit Singh began his journey in 2005 with Fame Gurukul and made his Hindi film debut with Phir Mohabbat from Murder 2 in 2011. Over the years, he has delivered countless iconic songs, won two National Film Awards, and was conferred the Padma Shri in 2025. While an era of playback singing may be ending, Singh’s musical journey is far from over.
Here’s how social media reacted
arijit singh has retired from playback singing. bollywood won’t be the same without his songs 😭 pic.twitter.com/SLYeQ510dz
— saif (@nightchanges) January 27, 2026
Tf do you mean retirement bro?? ARIJIT SINGH, india might be a free country but not this free. We gonna make you work till you’re 90 pic.twitter.com/Mocnx9s2ZL
— Shruti ✿ (@lostshruu) January 27, 2026
Arijit Singh ‘s sudden retirement needs to be study #arijitsingh pic.twitter.com/3gpCSBGBrw
— komolika (@Komolika_hu) January 27, 2026
Arijit Singh taking retirement feels way too personal. Through every phase of my life his songs feel like the ray of light of positivity which guides me to the right direction. I don’t know if I will ever recover from this. I hate everything right now. Thank you, Arijit. pic.twitter.com/3t9Pwk8xQM
— prarthana. (@prarthanaaa_) January 27, 2026
Just saw news of Arijit Singh’s retirement from playback singing, it didn’t killl me but the music fan in me died Today
I fell in love with music because of you, hate you for not valuing your fans @arijitsingh 💔
— ; (@ReignofDhoni) January 27, 2026
Heartbroken but proud. Arijit Singh retires from playback singing to chase his own music path. The man who gave us endless hits is going solo now. Legends evolve. 🖤🎶 #ArijitSingh pic.twitter.com/RjM582szvo
— 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫 (@makerz_king) January 27, 2026
Shreya Ghoshal shares a heartfelt note after Arijit Singh announced his retirement from playback singing ❤️#ShreyaGhoshal #ArijitSingh pic.twitter.com/qgycFBiixh
— Mobile Cafe (@mobilecafe1704) January 28, 2026
