Arijit Singh’s Retirement Revives Old Questions About Fame
Arijit Singh’s sudden decision to retire from playback singing stunned fans and the film industry. On January 27, 2026, the singer announced he would not take up new film projects, calling his journey “wonderful.” However, he confirmed he would complete pending assignments before stepping away. Arijit said he now plans to focus on Indian classical music and independent performances. While the move surprised many, his past interviews reveal that the decision had long been taking shape beneath the surface.
“My Name Is Not Me Anymore,” Arijit Once Said
In a 2023 interview with The Music Podcast, Arijit spoke candidly about losing his sense of identity amid fame. He said hearing his own name began to irritate him as crowds constantly called out to him. Over time, he felt the name had turned into a public perception rather than his true self. As a result, he stopped allowing his songs to play at home. He even asked family members and colleagues not to address him by name. Eventually, he said, he learned to ignore his songs instead of reacting emotionally to them.
Singer Slams Bollywood’s “Unfair” Pay System
Meanwhile, Arijit also raised serious concerns about Bollywood’s business practices. Despite his success, he called the industry’s pay system deeply unfair to artists. According to him, the music business runs on the hard work of singers, yet often fails to compensate them properly. He pointed out that artists usually lack the business mindset needed to protect themselves. Therefore, when payments fall short, creativity suffers. Arijit argued that labels must either pay fairly or avoid assigning work altogether.
“That’s When You Kill an Artist,” He Warned
Arijit further explained how verbal agreements often lead to exploitation. Initially, discussions may sound fair, but payments change by the end of the project. Consequently, artists experience both emotional and financial stress. Many singers, he said, get so absorbed in their art that they stop tracking their effort against promised compensation. When payments fail to match the work, their passion gets manipulated. Arijit concluded by stressing that fairness and respect sustain creativity. As he steps away from playback singing, his words remain a powerful reminder that art cannot thrive without dignity.
