Arijit Singh retires from playback singing: A look at his iconic romantic and timeless hits

Arijit Singh retires from playback singing

• Arijit Singh retires from playback singing, will still create music.
• He reassures fans he will finish pending projects and not stop creating music
• Arijit is Spotify's top Indian artist with 169M followers as of 2026.

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Playback singer and songwriter Arijit Singh has recently left his fans shocked and disheartened after he announced his retirement from playback singing. The singer has reassured his fans that he will not stop making music and stated that he will complete his pending projects.

Arijit has been in the music industry for over a decade. He has delivered multiple hits like Tum Hi Ho, Bekhayali, Kesariya and more. He made his Hindi film debut in 2011 with Murder 2’s song Phir Mohabbat. He became a music sensation with the release of the Aashiqui 2 song, Tum Hi Ho in 2013.

He has won multiple awards in his 14 years on his career. He was also named the most-streamed Indian musician on Spotify for seven consecutive years (2019–2025). With more than 169 million followers on Spotify as of January 2026, he is the most popular musician worldwide.

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Arijit Singh’s Romance Era

Arijit Singh brought a shift in Bollywood with his romantic songs. Early in the 2010s, Arijit emerged as the voice of contemporary romance, bringing to Bollywood love songs an unparalleled emotional honesty. His ability to portray vulnerability allowed listeners to experience every emotion that was not expressed, transforming straightforward melodies into intensely intimate moments.

Songs that dominated playlists, weddings, and late-night talks included Tum Hi Ho, Raabta, Channa Mereya, Agar Tum Saath Ho, and Janam Janam. These songs became anthems of love and heartbreak. Bollywood's musical era also changed during this time, favouring emotional depth above flamboyance.

Arijit Singh’s popular songs

Arijit Singh has delivered multiple hits in his career, which still rule his fans’ playlist. Take a look at Arijit Singh’s popular songs as he announced his retirement from playback singing.

Tum Hi Ho – Aashiqui 2

Tum Hi Ho, composed by Mithoon and sung by Arijit, became the 2013 love anthem. The song became a timeless representation of romance and heartbreak thanks to Arijit Singh's passionate vocals.

Hawayein – Jab Harry Met Sejal

Hawayein, a calming romantic favourite among listeners, demonstrated Arijit Singh's ability to convey the softness of love with delicate emotions and breezy melodies.

Bekhayali – Kabir Singh

This song became one of the most powerful and unforgettable love ballads in recent film thanks to Arijit Singh's soul-stirring performance, which portrayed obsession, suffering, and longing.

Kesariya – Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva

Kesariya was one of the most sung songs of the decade, showcasing Arijit Singh's versatility as his warm, lyrical voice carried the joyous romanticism of the song.

Roke Na Ruke Naina – Badrinath Ki Dulhania

Arijit Singh's expressive voice gave the film's love struggle and poignant moments more depth, and this poignant ballad represented longing and isolation.

Gerua – Dilwale

Gerua, which was set against beautiful scenery, became a classic romantic ballad. Arijit’s passionate vocals added to the song's grandeur and emotional depth.

Kabira (Encore) – Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

Arijit Singh's voice brought warmth and emotional resonance to the film's conclusion in the encore performance of Kabira, which masterfully portrayed friendship and nostalgia.

Also Read: Arijit Singh announces retirement from playback singing, says "won't stop making music

Samjhawan – Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania

The song's emotional impact was elevated by Arijit Singh's rendition of Samjhawan, which became a poignant statement of love, desire, and separation.

Muskurane – CityLights

Muskurane, a soft and personal song, highlighted Arijit Singh's nuanced vocal appeal. The music video was made even more memorable by the singer's appearance.

Agar Tum Saath Ho – Tamasha

This moving song, written by A. R. Rahman, examines emotional distance in love. Arijit Singh's voice infused the song with profound contemplation and silent suffering.

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Channa Mereya – Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

Channa Mereya, written by Pritam, became a heartbreaking anthem in 2016 thanks to Arijit Singh's evocative singing, which redefined the sound of unfulfilled love.

Phir Bhi Tumko Chaahunga – Half Girlfriend

Composed by Mithoon, sung by Arijit Singh and Shashaa Tirupati, struck a profound chord with viewers because of its unrelenting statement of love and emotional intensity.

Also Read: When Arijit Singh urged Salman Khan to let him retire with Sultan song after their controversial feud, latter replied, “Woh misunderstanding mere side se hui thi"

Ae Watan – Raazi

Ae Watan, a patriotic tribute written by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, showcased Arijit Singh's subdued yet potent vocals that evoked patriotism, selflessness, and emotional fortitude.

Pal – Jalebi

Pal, sung by Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal, is still a deep romantic song whose music and lyrics recall memories of love and separation.