The Indian music industry was sent into a state of disbelief on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, as legendary playback singer Arijit Singh announced his retirement from film assignments. Taking to social media, the ‘voice of a generation’ declared that he would no longer accept new playback vocal projects, effectively ending a dominant era that began with his 2013 breakout hit Tum Hi Ho. While the singer clarified that he will continue to create independent music and complete his existing film commitments, the news has triggered a wave of nostalgia and heartbreak across the country.
Virat Kohli’s tweets from a decade ago resurface just as Arijit Singh shocks the industry with retirement
In the wake of the announcement, an old tweet from former Indian captain Virat Kohli has resurfaced, going viral as fans revisit the deep admiration ‘King Kohli’ has always held for the singer. On January 24, 2016, Kohli had famously expressed his awe on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“I am probably one of the biggest fans of Arijit Singh. Mesmerized by his talent and soulful voice. I am short of words actually.” Kohli wrote on X.
I am probably one of the biggest fans of Arijit Singh. Mesmerised by his talent and soulful voice. I am short of words actually.
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 24, 2016
This sentiment was reinforced a year later when Kohli shared a ‘fanboy moment’ photo with Arijit, noting that no one had captivated him with their voice quite like the singer.
“Pure fanboy moment for me. What an amazing person he is. No one has captivated me with their voice like this man. God bless you Arijit.” Kohli described in another post.
Pure fanboy moment for me. What an amazing person he is. No one has captivated me with their voice like this man. God bless you Arijit. 🙏😊 pic.twitter.com/aQMeGjQP8y
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) October 17, 2017
As the news of Arijit’s retirement spread, these posts became a gathering point for fans who compared the singer’s sudden exit at the peak of his career to Kohli’s own unexpected departure from Test captaincy. The mutual respect between the icons of cricket and music highlights the cultural impact Arijit has had, transcending the boundaries of Bollywood to touch the lives of India’s biggest celebrities.
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Arijit Singh’s final note: “Maatrubhumi” for Battle of Galwan and ‘ Hum to Tere hi liye the’ for O’ Romeo
While Arijit Singh’s decision is final regarding new assignments, his voice will continue to grace the silver screen for a few more months as he fulfills his remaining contracts. Reports indicate that his patriotic track “Maatrubhumi” from the film Battle of Galwan, released just days ago on January 24, 2026, serves as one of his final monumental contributions to playback singing. Other pending releases, including “Hum To Tere Hi Liye The” from Vishal Bhardwaj’s O’ Romeo (set for a February 13 release), will ensure that 2026 remains a year filled with his signature melodies even as he steps away from the recording booth.
Legendary Indian singer Arijit Singh announces his retirement from playback singing pic.twitter.com/KaqoUPWbSV
— Pubity (@pubity) January 27, 2026
Arijit’s retirement comes after a year of massive accolades, including being honored with the Padma Shri in 2025 for his contributions to Indian music. Industry peers Amaal Mallik have expressed their shock, with Mallik noting that ‘first heartbreak of 2026.’ on his Instagram story. For Arijit, the move is a transition toward personal growth and a return to Indian Classical Music, as he aims to continue his journey as a small little artist away from the commercial pressures of the film industry. Though he is ‘calling it off’ for playback, his promise to keep creating music independently offers a silver lining to millions of heartbroken listeners.