Arijit Singh cites creative fatigue, desire for change as reasons for retirement from playback

Renowned singer Arijit Singh has announced his decision to step away from playback singing, citing creative burnout, restlessness and a wish to explore different forms of music as the primary reasons behind the move. 

The decision surprised both fans and the music industry, coming at a time when listeners were still processing his recent releases, including "Gehra Hua," "Ghar Kab Aaoge," and "Maatrubhumi."

Despite having several projects lined up for the year, the singer has confirmed that he will not accept any new playback assignments. Singh shared his decision through social media, first posting on his private account on X before issuing a detailed statement on Instagram.

The announcement prompted an outpouring of reactions online, with fans urging him to reconsider and fellow musicians expressing shock and sadness. While he has made it clear that he will honour all existing commitments, the move effectively signals the end of an era in Hindi cinema music.

The singer reportedly stated that the decision was neither sudden nor triggered by a single incident. “There isn’t just one reason for this; there are multiple factors, and I have been contemplating this for quite some time. Ultimately, I have mustered the necessary courage,” he wrote.

Singh spoke openly about his creative restlessness, admitting that he tends to lose interest quickly. “One of the reasons is quite straightforward: I tend to lose interest fast, which is why I often change the arrangements of my songs and enjoy performing them live,” he said. “Here’s the truth: I’ve grown weary. I need to explore different music to thrive.”

The former playback singer also said he wanted to make room for new voices in the industry. “Another factor is my eagerness to hear new singers who can genuinely inspire me,” he added.

In his formal statement, the singer expressed gratitude to his listeners while confirming his decision. “Greetings, and a happy New Year to everyone. I want to thank you for the immense love you have shown me over the years. I am pleased to share that I will not be accepting any new projects as a playback singer going forward. I am bringing this chapter to an end. It has been an incredible journey.”

However, he reassured fans that he is not leaving music altogether. “I have been truly blessed. I am a fan of good music and will now focus on learning more and creating independently as a small artist in the future,” he said. “Thank you once again for all your support.”

Furthermore, Singh added that he still has a few outstanding commitments to complete. “You may still see some releases this year. Just to be clear, I am not stopping music,” he wrote.

Maatrubhumi from ‘Battle of Galwan’ is his most recent playback release. While details of his remaining projects have not been disclosed, the singer is expected to continue performing live and concentrate on independent music, marking a new and more personal phase in his artistic journey.