Quick Read
- Arijit Singh announced on January 27, 2026, he will no longer take new playback singing assignments.
- The decision is driven by a desire for personal growth and independent musical exploration, not full retirement.
- Singh will complete pending commitments and continue creating music outside the Bollywood playback system.
- He is 38 years old and considered to be at the peak of his career.
- Singh has been married twice, first to Ruprekha Banerjee and then to Koel Roy, with whom he has two sons.
MUMBAI (Azat TV) – Arijit Singh, one of India’s most celebrated and prolific playback singers, announced on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, that he will no longer be accepting new assignments in film music. The decision, shared in a heartfelt note on Instagram, clarifies that Singh’s move is driven by a desire for personal growth and independent musical exploration, not a complete retirement from the music industry, leaving millions of fans both surprised and supportive.
A Shift Towards Creative Freedom
In his announcement, Singh expressed gratitude to his fans for their ‘unwavering support over the years,’ stating, “I am happy to announce that I am not going to be taking any new assignments as a playback vocalist from now on.” He emphasized that this is not an end to his musical journey, but rather a pivot towards artistic self-discovery. Singh explained his wish to focus on learning, exploring music independently, and working as a “small little artist” without the commercial pressures often associated with mainstream playback singing.
This move comes at a time when the 38-year-old artist is widely considered to be at the peak of his career, holding a top position among male playback singers in India. His soulful and heartfelt voice has contributed immensely to Hindi cinema, delivering numerous chartbusters and all-time classics throughout the 2010s, including iconic tracks like ‘Tum Hi Ho,’ ‘Channa Mereya,’ and ‘Kesariya.’ The decision to prioritize creative freedom over continued commercial success marks a rare moment in the industry, according to The Economic Times.
Impact on the Industry and Fans
Singh’s announcement has sparked widespread discussion among music lovers and industry insiders. While many expressed initial shock and confusion, his clarification that he is not quitting music entirely provided significant relief. He assured fans that he would complete all his pending playback commitments, meaning some of his voice will still be heard in upcoming film releases. More importantly, he pledged to continue creating, learning, and experimenting with music outside the traditional Bollywood playback system, including through independent projects, cover songs, and live concerts, as reported by Gulte.com.
His extensive discography, which also includes songs in Southern film industries like Tollywood and Kollywood, has cemented his legacy. Fans are now eagerly anticipating his future independent ventures, hoping to see him explore new creative paths that reflect his evolving artistic vision.
Beyond the Stage: Arijit Singh’s Personal Life
While his professional life has been under the spotlight, Singh has largely kept his personal life private. He married Ruprekha Banerjee in 2013, a co-contestant from the reality show ‘Fame Gurukul,’ which first introduced him to the public. However, that marriage ended quickly due to reported emotional differences and work-related stress. Singh chose not to speak publicly about this period.
He later married his childhood friend, Koel Roy, on January 21, 2014, in a private ceremony in West Bengal. Koel Roy had a daughter from a previous marriage, and reports indicate Singh also had a child from an earlier relationship. Together, the couple has two sons. The family maintains a low public profile, protecting their children from media attention, according to Sunday Guardian Live.
Arijit Singh’s decision underscores a growing trend among established artists to redefine success beyond commercial metrics, opting instead for artistic autonomy and personal fulfillment in an industry often driven by demand and popular appeal.