Arijit Singh Announces Retirement from Playback Singing: Revisiting His Most Iconic Romantic Hits
Arijit Singh retires from playback singing — a headline few music lovers were prepared for. The announcement has left fans emotional, marking the end of an era in Bollywood music. While the singer has clarified that he will continue creating music and finish his pending commitments, his decision to step away from playback singing signals a major shift in the Hindi film industry.
With a career spanning over 14 years, Arijit Singh didn’t just sing songs - he shaped modern Bollywood romance. As audiences come to terms with his retirement, here’s a look at his remarkable journey and the timeless songs that made him a global music icon.
The news that Arijit Singh has retired from playback singing sent shockwaves across social media. In his announcement, the singer reassured fans that music will always remain a part of his life. While he may no longer lend his voice to film soundtracks, he plans to explore music on his own terms and complete projects already in progress.
For fans, this means fewer Arijit Singh Bollywood songs - but not the end of Arijit Singh the musician.
From Debut to Stardom: Arijit Singh’s Musical Journey
Arijit Singh entered Bollywood playback singing in 2011 with Phir Mohabbat from Murder 2. However, it was Tum Hi Ho from Aashiqui 2 (2013) that turned him into a household name overnight.
Since then, Arijit Singh’s career has been defined by consistency, emotional depth, and versatility. Over the years, he collected numerous awards and industry accolades, becoming the most reliable voice for romantic and emotional storytelling in Hindi cinema.
Arijit Singh’s Global Popularity and Streaming Records
Beyond films, Arijit Singh achieved unmatched digital success. He was named the most-streamed Indian artist on Spotify for seven consecutive years (2019–2025). As of January 2026, Arijit Singh boasts over 169 million followers on Spotify, making him the most-followed musician globally.
This massive reach highlights why Arijit Singh’s retirement from playback singing feels like a cultural moment rather than just an industry update.
Arijit Singh’s Romance Era: Redefining Bollywood Love Songs
The early 2010s saw a dramatic shift in Bollywood music, largely driven by Arijit Singh. His voice brought vulnerability, restraint, and emotional honesty back to romantic tracks. Instead of loud, dramatic expressions of love, his songs embraced silence, longing, and unspoken emotions.
Tracks like Tum Hi Ho, Raabta, Agar Tum Saath Ho, Janam Janam and Channa Mereya didn’t just top charts - they became personal soundtracks for love, heartbreak, and healing. This phase is now remembered as Arijit Singh’s romance era, a golden chapter in Hindi film music.
Arijit Singh’s Most Popular and Timeless Songs
As Arijit Singh retires from playback singing, his extensive discography stands as a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. Here are some of his most iconic songs that still dominate playlists:
Tum Hi Ho – Aashiqui 2
A defining love anthem of 2013, Tum Hi Ho remains synonymous with romance and emotional intensity. Arijit Singh’s heartfelt delivery turned it into a timeless classic.
Kesariya – Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva
One of the most hummed songs of the decade, Kesariya showcased Arijit Singh’s warmth and vocal versatility, making it a modern romantic favourite.
Hawayein – Jab Harry Met Sejal
Soft, breezy and intimate, Hawayein beautifully captured the gentle side of love through Arijit Singh’s nuanced vocals.
Roke Na Ruke Naina – Badrinath Ki Dulhania
A song soaked in longing and emotional conflict, elevated by Arijit Singh’s expressive singing.
Bekhayali – Kabir Singh
One of Arijit Singh’s most intense performances, Bekhayali portrayed obsession, pain and emotional chaos with raw power.
Kabira (Encore) – Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
This version added emotional closure to the film, with Arijit Singh’s voice reflecting nostalgia, friendship and growth.
Gerua – Dilwale
Set against stunning visuals, Gerua became an iconic romantic track, enhanced by Arijit Singh’s soaring vocals.
Samjhawan – Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania
A deeply emotional rendition that transformed the song into a moving expression of love and separation.
Agar Tum Saath Ho – Tamasha
This A. R. Rahman composition gained depth through Arijit Singh’s restrained and soulful singing, exploring emotional distance in relationships.
Channa Mereya – Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
A heartbreak anthem of 2016, Channa Mereya redefined unfulfilled love and remains one of Arijit Singh’s most celebrated songs.
Muskurane – CityLights
A soft, personal track that highlighted Arijit Singh’s subtle vocal charm, made more memorable by his on-screen appearance.
A Legacy Beyond Playback Singing
While Arijit Singh’s retirement from playback singing marks the end of a historic chapter, his influence on Indian music remains unmatched. His songs continue to live on - in playlists, memories, weddings, heartbreaks, and quiet moments of reflection.
Arijit Singh may have stepped away from the playback microphone, but his voice will forever echo in the soul of Bollywood.
With a career spanning over 14 years, Arijit Singh didn’t just sing songs - he shaped modern Bollywood romance. As audiences come to terms with his retirement, here’s a look at his remarkable journey and the timeless songs that made him a global music icon.
Arijit Singh’s Retirement: What the Singer Announced
The news that Arijit Singh has retired from playback singing sent shockwaves across social media. In his announcement, the singer reassured fans that music will always remain a part of his life. While he may no longer lend his voice to film soundtracks, he plans to explore music on his own terms and complete projects already in progress.
For fans, this means fewer Arijit Singh Bollywood songs - but not the end of Arijit Singh the musician.
From Debut to Stardom: Arijit Singh’s Musical Journey
Arijit Singh entered Bollywood playback singing in 2011 with Phir Mohabbat from Murder 2. However, it was Tum Hi Ho from Aashiqui 2 (2013) that turned him into a household name overnight.
Since then, Arijit Singh’s career has been defined by consistency, emotional depth, and versatility. Over the years, he collected numerous awards and industry accolades, becoming the most reliable voice for romantic and emotional storytelling in Hindi cinema.
Arijit Singh’s Global Popularity and Streaming Records
Beyond films, Arijit Singh achieved unmatched digital success. He was named the most-streamed Indian artist on Spotify for seven consecutive years (2019–2025). As of January 2026, Arijit Singh boasts over 169 million followers on Spotify, making him the most-followed musician globally.
This massive reach highlights why Arijit Singh’s retirement from playback singing feels like a cultural moment rather than just an industry update.
Arijit Singh’s Romance Era: Redefining Bollywood Love Songs
The early 2010s saw a dramatic shift in Bollywood music, largely driven by Arijit Singh. His voice brought vulnerability, restraint, and emotional honesty back to romantic tracks. Instead of loud, dramatic expressions of love, his songs embraced silence, longing, and unspoken emotions.
Tracks like Tum Hi Ho, Raabta, Agar Tum Saath Ho, Janam Janam and Channa Mereya didn’t just top charts - they became personal soundtracks for love, heartbreak, and healing. This phase is now remembered as Arijit Singh’s romance era, a golden chapter in Hindi film music.
Arijit Singh’s Most Popular and Timeless Songs
As Arijit Singh retires from playback singing, his extensive discography stands as a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. Here are some of his most iconic songs that still dominate playlists:
Tum Hi Ho – Aashiqui 2
A defining love anthem of 2013, Tum Hi Ho remains synonymous with romance and emotional intensity. Arijit Singh’s heartfelt delivery turned it into a timeless classic.
Kesariya – Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva
One of the most hummed songs of the decade, Kesariya showcased Arijit Singh’s warmth and vocal versatility, making it a modern romantic favourite.
Hawayein – Jab Harry Met Sejal
Soft, breezy and intimate, Hawayein beautifully captured the gentle side of love through Arijit Singh’s nuanced vocals.
Roke Na Ruke Naina – Badrinath Ki Dulhania
A song soaked in longing and emotional conflict, elevated by Arijit Singh’s expressive singing.
Bekhayali – Kabir Singh
One of Arijit Singh’s most intense performances, Bekhayali portrayed obsession, pain and emotional chaos with raw power.
Kabira (Encore) – Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
This version added emotional closure to the film, with Arijit Singh’s voice reflecting nostalgia, friendship and growth.
Gerua – Dilwale
Set against stunning visuals, Gerua became an iconic romantic track, enhanced by Arijit Singh’s soaring vocals.
Samjhawan – Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania
A deeply emotional rendition that transformed the song into a moving expression of love and separation.
Agar Tum Saath Ho – Tamasha
This A. R. Rahman composition gained depth through Arijit Singh’s restrained and soulful singing, exploring emotional distance in relationships.
Channa Mereya – Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
A heartbreak anthem of 2016, Channa Mereya redefined unfulfilled love and remains one of Arijit Singh’s most celebrated songs.
Muskurane – CityLights
A soft, personal track that highlighted Arijit Singh’s subtle vocal charm, made more memorable by his on-screen appearance.
A Legacy Beyond Playback Singing
While Arijit Singh’s retirement from playback singing marks the end of a historic chapter, his influence on Indian music remains unmatched. His songs continue to live on - in playlists, memories, weddings, heartbreaks, and quiet moments of reflection.
Arijit Singh may have stepped away from the playback microphone, but his voice will forever echo in the soul of Bollywood.
Next Story