Arijit Singh Steps Away from Playback Singing, Opens a New Chapter in Live Music and Independent Art

By Tanveer Zaidi

In the dazzling universe of Indian music, where countless voices rise and fade, one voice has stood tall and timeless for more than a decade — the voice of Arijit Singh.

For millions across India and beyond, his songs were not just melodies but emotions woven into everyday life.

Now, in a move that has touched hearts and stirred deep nostalgia, Arijit Singh has announced his decision to retire from playback singing for films, choosing instead to devote himself fully to live concerts and independent musical creations.

This decision does not mark an ending, but rather a meaningful transformation. Like the closing notes of one of his soulful ballads, it carries both beauty and bittersweet emotion.

Arijit has revealed that his final playback performance will be the patriotic song “Maatrubhumi” for the upcoming film Battle of Galwan.

It is a powerful farewell — a tribute to the nation and a fitting conclusion to a career that gave voice to love, heartbreak, hope, and pride.

Arijit Singh’s rise to musical greatness is itself a tale of perseverance and deep-rooted passion. Born in Jiaganj, West Bengal, into a family where music flowed naturally, he was introduced to classical traditions at a very young age.

Guided by his mother and trained in Indian classical music, tabla, and Rabindra Sangeet, Arijit’s foundation was strong long before fame arrived.

He first came into the public spotlight in 2005 through the reality show Fame Gurukul. Though he did not win, the platform introduced his extraordinary talent to the world.

However, true stardom arrived in 2013 with the song “Tum Hi Ho” from Aashiqui 2. The track became a phenomenon, and from that moment onward, Arijit Singh became the emotional voice of Indian cinema.

What followed was an unforgettable musical era. His songs painted every shade of human feeling — the heartbreak of “Channa Mereya”, the quiet longing of “Agar Tum Saath Ho”, the magical romance of “Kesariya”, and the deep passion of “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil”.

Each performance felt personal, raw, and sincere, connecting listeners directly to the emotion of the moment.

His unmatched contributions earned him a record-breaking seven Filmfare Awards and a prestigious National Film Award.

Over time, Arijit also stepped onto the global stage, collaborating with international artists like Ed Sheeran, further expanding his influence beyond Indian cinema.

In his emotional announcement, Arijit thanked his fans for their endless love and support, sharing that he would no longer take up new playback singing projects.

The news has been met with admiration, sadness, and heartfelt tributes from across the industry and his massive fan base.

Though his voice will no longer debut in film soundtracks, Arijit Singh’s musical journey is far from over.

He now turns toward the magic of live performances, where he can connect directly with audiences, and toward independent music, where creativity knows no limits.

The chapter of Arijit Singh as Bollywood’s leading playback singer may have closed, but his melody will continue to flow — freer, deeper, and closer to the hearts of listeners than ever before. Legends do not fade; they simply evolve.

(Written by Tanveer Zaidi, an actor, writer, and educationist)

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