In a revelation that has stunned fans and the Indian film music industry alike, playback singer Arijit Singh announced that he will no longer take on new Bollywood playback singing assignments.

The announcement came through a heartfelt note on his official Instagram account, where he thanked listeners for years of unwavering love and support. Calling his journey “wonderful,” he wrote, “I am calling it off.”

Reacting to the news, singer and rapper Raja Kumari reflected on the decision with admiration and warmth. “I think there comes a time in every artiste’s life when they crave the freedom to express themselves authentically,” she told Mumbai Mirror.

“Being one of the most prolific playback singers of our time, Arijit has given us countless classics that have become the soundtrack of our lives. Yet, those songs didn’t always offer insight into his personal world or how he views life,” she added.

Recalling her collaboration with Arijit on Pagglait, Raja Kumari shared, “He was the first music director who pushed me to sing in Hindi. It was during the pandemic, so all our communication happened through WhatsApp voice notes. He was incredibly patient and kind. He saw something in me that I hadn’t yet seen in myself, and that belief continues to inspire me to grow as an artiste.”

She concluded by expressing anticipation for his next creative phase. “I’m personally very curious to know how Arijit views the world through music. Perhaps his words and perspectives are exactly what the world needs right now. I’ve always been a fan, and I truly can’t wait to witness this next chapter whenever he’s ready to share his art with us,” she said.