Arijit Singh announces retirement from playback singing: Revisit 20 songs that made him a legend

In a move that rocked the Indian music industry and music lovers worldwide, Arijit Singh, arguably the most influential playback singer of his generation, announced that he will be retiring from playback singing in films. Through heartfelt posts on social media, the 38-year-old said he will no longer take on new playback assignments and called it a “wonderful journey”.

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Though he insisted he isn’t walking away from music entirely - he intends to explore independent and personal creative paths - the news has sent shockwaves through Bollywood, where his voice has been the soul of countless emotional moments.

His Voice: The Soul of a Generation

What made Arijit Singh special wasn’t just a mellifluous voice - it was his ability to inject deep emotion into every lyric, making listeners feel every beat of joy, heartbreak, longing, and love. Whether it was a romantic ballad or an upbeat number, his top-tier technique married perfectly with sincere emotion, anchoring him as one of the most versatile singers of his era.

Over more than a decade, he lent his voice to hundreds of songs across Hindi films and regional languages, working with leading composers and leaving a legacy that will continue to resonate long after this chapter of his career closes.

The end of an era!
a - z of Arijit Singh songspic.twitter.com/rSSHKHKT95

— Indian Music (@Music_Vichaar) January 27, 2026

20 Songs That Defined Arijit Singh’s Stardom

Here’s a look at 20 songs that marked pivotal moments in Arijit’s playback career:

1. “Phir Mohabbat” - Murder 2 (2011)

His official playback debut - a melancholic track that introduced his soothing, layered vocals to Bollywood. 

2. “Tum Hi Ho” - Aashiqui 2 (2013)

The breakthrough song that made him a household name and became the anthem of modern romance. 

3. “Chahun Main Ya Naa” - Aashiqui 2 (2013)

A tender love number that cemented his skill in crafting intimate, emotional ballads. 

4. “Laal Ishq” - Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013)

A track with classical and spiritual undertones, showcasing his range beyond mainstream pop. 

5. “Suno Na Sangemarmar” - Youngistaan (2014)

A soft romantic favourite that highlighted his ability to carry heartfelt melodies. 

6. “Samjhawan” - Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014)

A duet that became a staple on love playlists across generations. 

7. “Agar Tum Saath Ho” - Tamasha (2015)

A soulful duet that beautifully balanced vulnerability and strength.

8. “Gerua” - Dilwale (2015)

A visually and emotionally rich romantic track with mass appeal.

9. “Channa Mereya” - Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016)

A deeply expressive heartbreak anthem that became one of his signature songs. 

10. “Hawayein” - Jab Harry Met Sejal (2017)

A breezy love ballad that showcased a lighter, reflective side of romance.

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11. “Phir Bhi Tumko Chaahunga” - Half Girlfriend (2017)

A passionate tune that became a fan favourite for its relentless emotion.

12. “Kesariya” - Brahmāstra (2022)

A modern love anthem that topped charts and streaming lists with billions of collective views. 

13. “Tujhe Kitna Chahne Lage” - Kabir Singh (2019)

A melancholic staple that blended intensity with vulnerability. 

14. “Ghungroo” - War (2019)

A dance-pop fusion that proved his versatility beyond romantic ballads. 

15. “Apna Bana Le” - Bhediya (2022)

A celebratory romance that became ubiquitous on playlists. 

16. “Shayad” - Love Aaj Kal (2020)

A minimal yet deeply emotional track resonating with modern heartbreak. 

17. “Dhun” - Saiyaara (2025)

One of his more recent impactful songs that continued to draw widespread streaming acclaim. 

18. “Ve Maahi” - Pachtaoge

A feel-good love track that proved his range in tender compositions. 

19. “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil” (Title Track) - Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016)

A poignant emotional signature that became a staple across playlists. 

20. “Sajni” - Laapataa Ladies (2024)

A contemporary romantic standout that showcased his adaptability to modern soundscapes.

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The Legacy Lives On

Arijit Singh’s retirement from playback may signal the end of an extraordinary chapter, but it doesn’t silence the music he leaves behind. From soul-stirring ballads to high-energy anthems, his voice has defined the emotional grammar of modern Bollywood for over a decade. Every love story, every heartbreak, every quiet midnight drive seems to carry an Arijit song in the background.

His melodies don’t just play - they linger. It’s no surprise that his tracks remain a must-have on the playlist of almost every music lover, echoing across generations, reminding us that while singers may step away, their songs live on forever.