Arijit Singh Retirement: Virat Kohli’s Old Tweet Resurfaces as Singer Quits Playback Singing

A Shocking Announcement That Stunned Bollywood
Virat Kohli’s Old Tweet Resurfaces—And It’s Heartfelt
Why Arijit Singh Is Leaving Playback Singing
Fan Reactions: Grief, Confusion, and Respect
Arijit Singh’s Legacy in Bollywood Music
What’s Next for Arijit Singh?
Conclusion: A Bold New Chapter for a Musical Icon
Sources

In a move that has left millions of fans heartbroken and the entire Bollywood industry reeling, playback sensation Arijit Singh has officially announced his retirement from film singing. The decision, revealed through a personal statement, is not a result of controversy or decline—but a deliberate pivot toward Indian classical music and original compositions. As the news spread like wildfire, an old, emotional tweet from cricket superstar Virat Kohli about Arijit resurfaced, adding a poignant layer to this cultural moment.

A Shocking Announcement That Stunned Bollywood

On January 28, 2026, Arijit Singh took to social media to share a deeply personal message with his followers. “After much thought, I’ve decided to step away from playback singing in films,” he wrote. “I’m short of words, but my heart is full. I want to dedicate my energy to Indian classical music and my own independent work.” [[1]]

The announcement came without warning. At just 38, Arijit is widely regarded as the most dominant male playback voice of his generation, with over 500 film songs and countless awards to his name. His departure marks the end of an era in Hindi cinema music—a void many believe will be impossible to fill.

Arijit Singh retirement: Virat Kohli’s Old Tweet Resurfaces

Within hours of the announcement, social media users began digging through archives—and unearthed a golden nugget from 2019. Cricketer Virat Kohli had once tweeted: “Listening to Arijit Singh on loop. The emotion, the control, the soul—he’s not just a singer, he’s a feeling. Respect.” [[4]]

That tweet, now shared tens of thousands of times, has become symbolic. Fans are drawing powerful parallels between the two icons: both reached the absolute pinnacle of their fields—Kohli in cricket, Arijit in music—only to walk away from mainstream glory to chase something more personal and profound. Kohli’s temporary retirement from T20Is in 2022 was seen as a similar act of introspection, making the connection feel eerily resonant.

Why Arijit Singh Is Leaving Playback Singing

In his statement, Arijit emphasized that this wasn’t a decision made in haste. He cited several key reasons:

Artistic Evolution: He feels he’s explored the commercial landscape fully and now seeks deeper artistic expression through classical ragas and self-composed pieces.
Creative Control: Film music often involves compromises—on lyrics, melody, and production. Independent work offers him full autonomy.
Spiritual Calling: Arijit has long expressed admiration for legends like Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. He now wants to immerse himself in that tradition.

This isn’t a complete exit from music—just from the Bollywood system. He plans to launch a digital platform for his new work and may even mentor young classical vocalists.

Fan Reactions: Grief, Confusion, and Respect

The internet erupted in a mix of emotions. Hashtags like #ThankYouArijit and #ArijitSinghRetirement trended globally on X (formerly Twitter). Many fans shared playlists of their favorite songs—from “Tum Hi Ho” to “Channa Mereya”—as tributes. Others expressed concern about the future of Bollywood soundtracks without his voice.

“It’s like losing a part of our collective memory,” one fan wrote. “His voice was the soundtrack to our breakups, weddings, and everything in between.”

Notably, several filmmakers and co-singers, including Pritam and Shreya Ghoshal, have publicly wished him well, acknowledging his right to choose his path—even if it breaks hearts.

Arijit Singh’s Legacy in Bollywood Music

To understand the magnitude of this loss, consider his impact:

Winner of 7 Filmfare Awards for Best Male Playback Singer
Over 10 billion streams across platforms
Voice behind era-defining hits for stars like Ranbir Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan, and Ranveer Singh
Revolutionized the “vulnerable male” vocal aesthetic in modern Hindi cinema

His ability to convey raw, unfiltered emotion—whether in a melancholic ballad or a soaring romantic track—set a new benchmark. For over a decade, if a film needed a hit song, it needed Arijit Singh.

What’s Next for Arijit Singh?

While he’s stepping back from films, Arijit isn’t disappearing. He’s confirmed plans to:

Release an album of original classical-fusion compositions by mid-2026.
Launch a YouTube series titled “Raga & Reflections” exploring Indian classical traditions.
Potentially collaborate with global artists outside the Bollywood framework.

For fans eager to follow his journey beyond playback, this could be the beginning of an even more authentic musical chapter. You can explore more about India’s rich musical heritage in our feature on [INTERNAL_LINK:indian-classical-music-traditions].

Conclusion: A Bold New Chapter for a Musical Icon

The Arijit Singh retirement from playback singing is more than a career shift—it’s a statement about artistic integrity in an age of mass consumption. Like Virat Kohli choosing legacy over stats, Arijit is choosing soul over stardom. While Bollywood may never sound the same, his courage to walk away at his peak might inspire a new generation to value depth over dominance. The mic may be silent in studios, but his voice will echo in every note he sings for himself.