Exclusive - 'Arijit Singh is focusing on filmmaking and will continue doing concerts', says music composer of Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain movie Vishal Shelke

Vishal Shelke speaks on Arijit Singh retirement

• Arijit Singh to quit playback singing, focus on independent music and concerts
• He plans to focus on filmmaking, marking a new phase in his creative journey
• Sonu Nigam sang Manjogi for Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain after Arijit Singh declined.

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Music composer Vishal Shelke, who has composed the songs for the upcoming film Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain – Fun on the Run, opened up about Arijit Singh’s much-discussed decision to step away from playback singing, offering clarity, reassurance, and a more personal perspective on the singer’s journey.

In recent days, Arijit Singh’s decision to retire from singing had sparked widespread concern among fans, many of whom feared the legendary singer was walking away from music altogether.

In an exclusive conversation with Moneycontrol, Vishal Shelke told us that the reality is far more nuanced. Having spoken to Arijit Singh personally after the announcement, the composer said the singer is simply choosing to redirect his creative energy rather than retire completely.

“Arijit has only decided to not sing playback. So he will continue doing music. I had a word with him after the decision, He will be continuing to do independent singles, he has his own channel. So he'll continue to do music and then he will continue to do the concerts,” he told Moneycontrol.

Vishal Shelke added that Arijit Singh’s decision is deeply rooted in his growing desire to explore storytelling beyond singing.

Vishal further said that filmmaking has long been an interest close to Arijit’s heart, and this phase marks a natural evolution in his creative life. “I already also know is that he has a lot of passion for the filmmaking. So he would be creating his own film. So that is the area where he is kind of focusing. So that is the reason behind his retirement,” he added.

Struggles faced by singers and musicians

The composer also spoke candidly about the struggles faced by musicians in the industry, echoing concerns previously raised by singers such as Abhijeet Sawant.

Vishal Shelke admitted that though music often becomes the soul of a film, those who create it are rarely given the ‘weightage’ they deserve.

“Everybody knows, music plays the most important role in any movie. Because of the music, a lot of film works like Aashiqui or Chak De India work, sometimes they forget the movie, but they still remember the songs. So music plays a very, very important role. But unfortunately, we don't get that much weightage,” he said.

Talking about Manjogi, the song composed by Vishal Shelke and sung by Sonu Nigam for Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain – Fun on the Run, he revealed that the track was initially meant for Arijit Singh and Jubin Nautiyal, following industry trends.

“Not me exactly, but the producers with the current trend, they were suggesting Arijit Singh and Jubin. So they both were suggested for the song. We had sent to Arijit also Arijit loved the song, he wanted to do the song. But he was taking a little longer time,” he added.

Also Read: After Arijit Singh’s exit, Abhijeet Sawant calls out playback singer exploitation, says 'They don't want singers to be bigger than...'

Eventually, the song found its voice in veteran singer Sonu Nigam, bringing its own emotional depth to the film.

Last month, Arijit Singh left fans in shock when he announced on Instagram that he would no longer take up new playback singing assignments.

Arijit mentioned, “Hello, Happy new year to all. I want to thank you all for giving me so much of love all these years as listeners. I am happy to announce that I am not gonna be taking any new assignments as a playback vocalist from now on. I am calling it off. It was a wonderful journey.”