Mumbai: Arijit Singh’s announcement that he is stepping away from playback singing has sent shockwaves through the Indian music industry and among millions of fans who have grown up listening to his voice. The celebrated singer shared the news on Tuesday through a heartfelt Instagram post, confirming that he will no longer take up new assignments as a playback vocalist. As reactions poured in from across the country, one response that stood out was from fellow singer and long-time collaborator Shreya Ghoshal, who firmly rejected the idea that Arijit’s decision marks “the end of an era”.

Arijit Singh, widely regarded as the voice of modern Bollywood, has dominated film music for over a decade. With chart-topping songs across Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Tamil and other languages, his sudden decision to step back has left fans emotional and the industry reflective about the pressures faced by artists at the peak of their careers.

Arijit Singh announces his decision

In his Instagram note, Arijit Singh thanked listeners for the love they have showered on him over the years and described his playback journey as a “wonderful” one. He wrote, “Hello, Happy new year to all. I want to thank you all for giving me so much of love all these years as listeners. 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.”

While the singer clarified that he would honour commitments already signed, the announcement effectively signalled the end of a phase in Bollywood music that has been closely associated with his voice. Within minutes of the post going live, social media platforms were flooded with reactions ranging from disbelief and heartbreak to appeals asking him to reconsider.

Fans call it ‘the end of an era’

Across X, Instagram and fan forums, listeners described Arijit’s exit from playback singing as “the end of an era”. Many users pointed out that his songs have been an inseparable part of Hindi cinema since the early 2010s, accompanying stories of love, heartbreak and hope. Several fans recalled how his music had helped them through difficult phases of life, making the announcement feel deeply personal.

Hashtags to Arijit Singh began trending within hours, with users sharing clips of his most iconic songs and concert moments. Some fans also expressed concern about the future of Bollywood music without his presence, underlining how central he has been to mainstream film soundtracks.

Shreya Ghoshal’s heartfelt response

Amid the emotional reactions, Shreya Ghoshal offered a perspective that stood apart. Commenting directly on Arijit Singh’s Instagram post, she wrote, “It’s the start of a new phase of @arijitsingh and I am truly excited to hear, listen and experience what this genius churns out!! I can never call this the end of an era. An artist of his calibre can never be defined by the traditional means and medium and be boxed in to fit in the set formula. Time to soar higher my dear Arijit.”

Her comment was widely shared and praised for its optimism and faith in Arijit’s artistic journey. Many fans agreed with her view, suggesting that stepping away from playback singing does not mean stepping away from music altogether, but rather choosing a different, possibly more personal, path.

A bond forged through music

Shreya Ghoshal and Arijit Singh have collaborated on several projects over the years and share mutual admiration for each other’s artistry. Most recently, the two voices came together for Maatrubhumi, a song from the film Battle of Galwan, which was released only a few days ago. The timing of Arijit’s announcement, so soon after their collaboration, made Shreya’s reaction even more poignant for fans.

Both singers are often described as defining voices of contemporary Indian music, and their collaborations have been celebrated for blending technical excellence with emotional depth. Shreya’s message underscored the belief that Arijit’s creative journey is far from over.

What lies ahead for Arijit Singh

Although Arijit Singh has not gone into detail about his future plans in this particular announcement, he has previously spoken about his desire to explore music beyond the commercial framework of films. In earlier interviews, he hinted at focusing on Indian classical music, independent projects and a more introspective relationship with art.

Industry observers note that Arijit’s decision reflects a broader conversation about artistic freedom, burnout and the pressures of constant commercial success. Despite being one of the highest-paid singers in the industry, his past statements have often highlighted concerns about fairness, creative satisfaction and the emotional toll of being constantly in the spotlight.

Conclusion

Arijit Singh’s decision to quit playback singing marks the close of a remarkable chapter in Indian cinema, but as Shreya Ghoshal aptly pointed out, it does not signify an end to his artistry. Instead, it may represent a transition into a new creative phase, one driven more by personal fulfilment than industry demands.

As fans continue to process the news, Shreya’s words have offered reassurance that Arijit Singh’s voice, in one form or another, will continue to resonate. Whether through classical music, independent compositions or live performances, his journey as an artist appears poised to evolve rather than conclude.