On January 27, millions of fans across generations were taken by surprise when Arijit Singh announced his retirement from playback singing. While he did not provide a detailed explanation, the singer cited boredom as a primary reason and hinted at a growing interest in film direction. Over recent years, Singh has already experimented with filmmaking, suggesting that his career pivot may be motivated by a desire to explore storytelling behind the camera.
Arijit Singh has directed two films to date. In 2015, he helmed the Bengali feature Bhalobashar Roznamcha (Diary of Love in Hindi), which combined seven short films into a single narrative. His second directorial venture, Simple Notes (2017), was also shot in Murshidabad, West Bengal, with friends, where he managed cinematography and editing in addition to directing. These projects allowed Singh to gain experience and refine his cinematic skills, preparing him for a larger role in filmmaking.
In 2025, producer Mahavir Jain confirmed that Arijit Singh would direct another upcoming film, fueling speculation that his retirement from playback singing is a strategic move to focus on directing full-time. In a short Instagram post, Singh wrote, “Hello. Happy New Year to all. I want to thank you all for giving me so much love all these years as listeners. I am happy to announce that I am not going to take any new assignments as a playback vocalist from now on. I am calling it quits. It was a wonderful journey.”
Over more than a decade, Arijit Singh established himself as the definitive voice of romance and heartbreak in Bollywood. His melodies have resonated across generations, making him a favorite among composers and actors alike, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh. His iconic hits include Tum Hi Ho, Laal Ishq, Raabta, Kabhi Jo Baadal Barse, and Aaj Phir, which remain staples of contemporary Indian music.
With his transition to film direction, Singh is poised to expand his creative influence, bringing the same dedication and artistry that defined his musical career to the cinematic world. Fans now eagerly await his next chapter behind the camera.
