Singer Arijit Singh took to social media to break the news that he would be retiring from playback singing, expressing his gratitude for the support he had received from singers over the years.
"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," Singh wrote.
Netizens had a variety or reactions ranging from humour, shock and sadness, praise for his commercial, artistic and cultural achievements as a musician as well as enthusiasm for Singh's potential transition to an independent music career unfettered from the expectations of the Indian film industry.
Penguin ki video jyada serious le li Arjit Singh ne
— Notout254* (@shivamm__18) January 27, 2026pic.twitter.com/zUiZ1xJqoO https://t.co/9Z6Dv7NPyl
An 'X' user joked that the singer had taken the viral penguin clip from German filmmaking auteur Werner Herzog's 2007 documentary 'Encounters at the End of the World' too seriously and like the penguin who left his colony to waddle away to a mountain, Singh was walking away from the pack to find his own way into the unknown.
Arijit Singh Sir won't take any new assignment from now on
— WhoamI (@dactardoom) January 27, 2026
As a die hard Arijit Singh fan it doesn't feel good because without him the music industry lack its soul…..but I respect his decision and the good thing is he will continue to make music on his own so best of luck to… pic.twitter.com/dyNaadnDas
Another 'X' user stated that the industry would not be the same without him but wished Singh well in his future endeavours.
Other users expressed disbelief and sadness over his retirement from playback singing, reminiscing about all the joy his art had brought to their lives over the years, giving them an avenue of escapism from their realities.
"The melody that continued with me everywhere I went every people I met, the one who brought the colours of music to my dull life...it's really hard to believe that this is happening...hoping this to be a prank or some sort of drama caused by hacking of this account...I truly won't be able to come out of trauma if it will be the actual reality....I don't want my only escape to be gone like this," a user commented under Singh's Instagram post announcing his retirement.
Some joked about the early nature of his retirement from the film industry, drawing humorous comparisons to Tamil actor 'Thalapathy' Vijay who had also stated that he would retire after the release of his film Jana Nayagan, which is still facing delays and has not hit theatres yet.
"Thala se pehle Arjit retire ho gya," (Arjit reitred before 'Thala'), a user jokingly wrote under the musician's Instagram post.
Arjit Singh received praise from fellow musicians and fans alike who wished him well and expressed excitement for his likely solo career.
"I guess we're gonna get some crazy indie music now!" music producer Yashrak Mukhate wrote under Singh's Instagram post.
Many users quoted his viral hit song 'Channa Mereya' from the film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, especially the lines "Acha chalta hoon duaon mein yaad rakhna" ( I'll get going, please do remember me in your prayers) to bid the singer's playback career adieu.
Also Read: Heartbreak For Fans: Arijit Singh Calls It Quits on Playback Singing
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