“I Am Calling It Off”: Global Icon Arijit Singh Shocks Fans with Playback Retirement to Chase “Independence”. In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Indian music industry, the voice of a generation, Arijit Singh, officially announced his retirement from Bollywood playback singing on January 27, 2026.
The 38-year-old maestro, who has been the emotional anchor for millions of listeners, shared a heartfelt note on Instagram stating, “I am calling it off. It was a wonderful journey.” While the news has left fans heartbroken, the story behind his exit reveals a man choosing creative soul over industry “compliance.”
Who is Arijit Singh?
Born in Jiaganj, Murshidabad, West Bengal, Arijit’s journey is the ultimate underdog story. Born to a Punjabi father and a Bengali mother, he was trained in Indian classical music from a young age. He first appeared on the national stage in 2005 as a contestant on the reality show Fame Gurukul. Though he didn’t win, his talent was undeniable.
It took eight years of struggle before his career-defining breakthrough with “Tum Hi Ho” (Aashiqui 2) in 2013. Since then, he has been the undisputed king of Bollywood playback.
Family and Personal Life
Despite his global fame, Arijit is famously private and lives a humble life in his native village.
- Wife: He is married to Koel Roy (wed in 2014). The couple leads a quiet life away from the Mumbai paparazzi.
- Lifestyle: His children attend a local school in Murshidabad, and he is often spotted riding a simple scooter around his village—even famously giving British pop star Ed Sheeran a ride during their “Sapphire” collaboration.
Awards and Recognition
Arijit’s trophy cabinet is a testament to his genius:
- National Film Awards: Won for “Binte Dil” (2018) and “Kesariya” (2022).
- Padma Shri: Honored with India’s fourth-highest civilian award in 2025 for his contribution to music.
- Global Dominance: In July 2025, he surpassed Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran to become the most-followed artist on Spotify globally.
Net Worth: Wealth in Simplicity
With a net worth of approximately ₹414 crore, Arijit is one of the highest-paid singers in the world.
- Earnings: He charges ₹8–10 lakh per song and up to ₹14 crore for a single live concert.These are estimated figures and may vary.
- Giving Back: He runs an NGO, the Tatwamasi Foundation, and even an affordable eatery called Heshel in his village, serving meals for just ₹40.
Why the Sudden Retirement?
Arijit isn’t quitting music; he’s quitting the “broken system” of Bollywood playback. Insiders suggest he grew tired of “compliance-driven” music and the commercial pressures of the film industry. He wants to protect his mental well-being and regain his creative autonomy.
“I am a fan of good music and in future will be learning more and do more on my own as a small little artist.” — Arijit Singh
Industry and Fan Reactions
The industry’s reaction has been a mix of shock and immense respect:
- Shreya Ghoshal: Called it the “start of a new phase” and encouraged him to “soar higher.”
- Udit Narayan: Praised his legacy, noting that “his work is etched in people’s hearts.”
- Fans: Social media erupted with “End of an Era” hashtags. Many compared his exit to a legendary athlete retiring at their peak.
Career by the Numbers
While no official cumulative count exists, reports suggest Arijit has recorded over 700 songs across multiple languages (Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, etc.) in his 15-year career.
What’s Next for Arijit?
Arijit is not disappearing. Here is his roadmap for the future:
- Independent Music: He will focus on his label, Oriyon Music, to produce original, non-film content.
- Classical Roots: He plans to dive deeper into Indian Classical Music.
- Politics? Rumors have surfaced via NDTV that Arijit might launch his own political party to serve at the grassroots level in West Bengal, though his team suggests this won’t be immediate.
- Education: He plans to open a music school that integrates sports to help students with breath control and physical health.
Arijit Singh didn’t just walk away from music; he walked away from being a “vocalist for hire” to become the master of his own melody.