Disrupt social media if you want. There could not have been a better time for Arijit Singh to end his career as a playback singer. Yes, he was at the peak of his career. Yes, he is the voice of an entire generation. But even though thousands of people are crying hoarse over his decision, the moment is now.

Since entering the world of Hindi film music in 2011, murder 2With ‘Phir Mohabbat’, Arijit evolved and proved that he is more than just a small town boy with a voice that tugs at the heartstrings, he is a thoughtful musician. His decision only proves that he understands the long-standing stereotypes in the Hindi film industry that have stifled many creative artists.

Arijit expressed the love, loss, and longing of many young people with a voice full of melancholy and earthiness. His hard work and their adoration shaped his success story. But in recent years, one song has started to sound a lot like another. If there are similar lines and emotions, an element of ennui will inevitably be introduced. To make matters worse, reality TV has produced an endless stream of Arijit clones, diluting the uniqueness of his artistry. Never one to settle into his comfort zone, Arijit seemed determined to get out of there before repetition dulled his sharpness.

Ever since the moment he posted on Instagram, “I’m canceling. It’s been an amazing trip,” bloggers, vloggers, industry insiders, and colleagues have been speculating why. However, in keeping with his reclusive nature, Arijit has remained silent and has not responded to the large number of posts regarding his retirement.

Commenting on Arijit’s post, Shreya Ghoshal said, “You can’t fit an artist of his caliber into a set formula. It’s time to soar higher, dear Arijit.” “Success does not guarantee peace and contentment,” wrote singer and composer Vishal Dadlani in his reflections. Director and composer Vishal Bhardwaj urged him to “bring back Sanya”.

At just 38 years old, Arijit Singh’s announcement of a net worth of over Rs 400 crores has truly set him apart as a unique individual. As of January 2026, he is the most followed artist on Spotify worldwide, with over 171 million listeners, surpassing even Taylor Swift and remaining the top streamer for seven consecutive years. He also has 13 million followers on Instagram, a testament to the quiet power of his voice.

Arijit is the most followed artist on Spotify worldwide with over 171 million listeners. Photo courtesy: Special Arrangement

Arijit has come to occupy the space once dominated by Udit Narayan and Kumar Sanu, who became symbols of youth aspirations in the late 1980s and 1990s. “Papa Kete Hain” (Qayamat Se Qayamat Taku) and “Saanson ki zaroorat hai jais” (Ashiki) Capturing the innocence, romance and dreams of a new generation. Decades later, listeners once again discovered in Arijit a singer who could reflect the evolving emotions of youth, and he made the most of it by making his songs their closest companions.

Arijit was lucky enough to lend his voice to a song whose lyrics carry whispers of a bygone era. reed 2the soulful “Phir le aaya dil” Barfi! Or the folk song style “Kabila” Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani.

Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and composers like Pritam recognized his strength early on and crafted modern melodies wrapped in a warm haze of nostalgia. As samples, try ‘Laal ishq’, ‘Aayat’, ‘Janam Janam’, ‘Gerua’, ‘Agar tum saath ho’, ‘Kesariya’, ‘Tujhe kitna chahne lage’ and ‘O Maahi’.

In his few interviews, Arijit has often talked about how he patiently developed his voice little by little. He recalled the industry’s unwritten rule that in order to survive, everyone had to be in a good mood. He also talked about unfair payment structures that don’t respect the value of artists. In doing so, he alluded to the systemic failures of an industry that once struggled to find its footing. He seems to have become disillusioned over time. Hierarchies and formulaic demands often get in the way of an artist’s creative freedom.

So, what lies ahead for the boy who once traveled from Jiaganj in West Bengal to Mumbai with big dreams? In many ways, he has already come full circle and returned to his hometown, recording and working in a fully equipped studio in a modest three-story house on the alley where he grew up.

Born to a Bengali mother and a Sikh father, Arijit’s musical roots are deeply rooted in the Hindustani classical tradition and Rabindra Sangeet. He may have moved on from playback singing, but he may never step away from music. His dreams extend far beyond Bollywood, and he talks about collaborating with global icons such as Eric Clapton, Justin Timberlake, Hans Zimmer, Robbie Williams, Christina Aguilera and Coldplay. That ambition last year sapphirea popular single with Ed Sheeran that offers a glimpse into his desire to push boundaries and work on independent projects. And his live shows are always sold out. Here he showed that he belonged to the audience and at the same time expected boundaries to be respected.

Perhaps Arijit’s decision, as dramatic as it may seem, is part of a larger change – playback singing is no longer the sole measure of success, giving way to something more personal, more expansive and far more freeing.

issued – February 3, 2026 12:52 AM IST