Contrary to widespread speculation, celebrated vocalist Arijit Singh has not turned his back on music itself. What he has chosen to leave behind is the world of playback singing. Through a note shared on his private X account, formerly known as Twitter, Arijit conveyed that he now wants to invest his creative energy in the pursuit of Indian classical traditions. The disclosure instantly sparked curiosity and enthusiasm among listeners who have followed his journey for years.A Classical Turn on a Kolkata Stage
Soon after making his intentions public, Arijit offered a glimpse of this new phase through an unexpected appearance alongside sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar. The performance took place at Kolkata’s Netaji Indoor Stadium, where Arijit immersed himself in classical expression before a live audience. Later, the singer openly acknowledged feeling nervous while stepping into a space that demanded discipline, restraint, and deep-rooted musical understanding rather than spectacle.
An Insider Observes from Close Quarters
As conversations around Arijit’s decision gained momentum, voices from within the music industry began sharing their interpretations. Music producer and entrepreneur Meghdut Roy Chowdhury reflected on the moment after meeting the singer backstage at the Kolkata concert. Posting a photograph from the evening, Meghdut explained that the encounter helped him understand why Arijit may have chosen to distance himself from playback work and reconnect with classical foundations.
Humility Over Hype
Meghdut described Arijit as someone untouched by stardom, arriving without fuss and greeting percussionist Pt. Bikram Ghosh with reverence by touching his feet, honouring the guru-shishya lineage. According to Meghdut, Arijit spoke with the mindset of a lifelong student, showing no trace of arrogance and only a deep commitment to learning and growth.Music Stripped to Its Essence
Recalling the performance itself, Meghdut noted that Arijit rendered Maya Bhara Rati, a composition by Pt. Ravi Shankar, alongside Anoushka Shankar. The setting was deliberately minimal, with no visual effects or grandeur. Instead, the focus remained on melody, emotion, and the shared silence of an audience fully absorbed in the sound unfolding before them.Choosing Meaning Over Machinery
Reflecting further, Meghdut suggested that Arijit’s retreat from playback singing may stem from a desire to escape the mechanical pace of the industry. In his view, the singer is not abandoning music but rejecting a system driven by trends and metrics, opting instead for sincerity, depth, and artistic truth. He portrayed Arijit as someone who effortlessly balances ordinary life in Jiaganj with an extraordinary ability to make countless listeners feel understood.
Honouring Final Commitments
Arijit formally announced his retirement from playback singing on January 27, while confirming that he would complete all projects agreed upon earlier. One such film is Ek Din, featuring Junaid Khan. Aamir Khan Productions shared a post acknowledging Arijit’s contribution, with Aamir Khan expressing appreciation for the emotional richness he brought to the film’s music.Aamir Khan Weighs In
Aamir Khan later addressed reports about meeting Arijit in West Bengal. Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, the actor-producer clarified that his visit to Murshidabad was not intended to pressure the singer into reversing his decision. While he admitted to making an effort to persuade Arijit, Aamir acknowledged that the singer appeared resolute and at peace with the path he has chosen.
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