The Indian music industry went into a state of disbelief on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 as the legendary artist. Arijit Singh announced his retirement from film work. Taking to social media, the ‘voice of a generation’ announced that she would no longer be accepting new voiceover vocal projects, effectively ending a dominant run that began with her 2013 hit Tum Hi Ho. Although the singer clarified that he will continue to make independent music and fulfill his current film commitments, the news caused a wave of nostalgia and heartbreak across the country.
Virat Kohli’s tweet from a decade ago is resurfacing just as Arijit Singh shocked the industry with retirement.
The announcement was followed by old tweets from the former Indian captain Virat Kohli has resurfaced virally as fans revisit the deep admiration ‘King Kohli’ always had for the singer. On 24 January 2016, Kohli famously expressed his admiration on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“I’m probably one of Arijit Singh’s biggest fans. I’m blown away by his talent and his soulful voice. I’m actually at a loss for words.” Kohli wrote in X.
I am probably one of Arijit Singh’s biggest fans. He was impressed by her talent and lively voice. I am actually at a loss for words.
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 24, 2016
This sentiment was reinforced a year later when Kohli shared it “fanboy moment” Taking a photo with Arijit, he noted that no one has enchanted him with his voice as a singer.
“Pure fanboy moment for me. What an amazing person he is. No one has mesmerized me with his voice like this man. God bless you. Arijit.” Kohli is featured in another post.
Pure fanboy moment for me. What an amazing person he is. No one has impressed me with his voice like this man. God bless you Arif. 🙏😊 pic.twitter.com/aQMeGjQP8y
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) October 17, 2017
As news of Arijit’s retirement spread, the posts became a rallying point for fans, who compared the singer’s sudden departure at the peak of his career to Kohli’s own sudden exit from Test captaincy. The mutual respect between cricket and music icons underscores Arijit’s cultural influence, crossing the boundaries of Bollywood to touch the lives of India’s biggest celebrities.
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Arijit Singh’s Last Note: ‘Maatrubhumi’ for Galvan Battle and ‘Hum to Tere hi liye the’ for O’ Romeo
While Arijit Singh’s decision on new assignments is final, his voice will continue to grace the silver screen for a few more months as he fulfills his remaining contracts. Reports indicate that he has a patriotic footprint “Maatrubhumi” from the movie Battle of Galvanreleased a few days ago on January 24, 2026, it serves as one of his last monumental contributions to singing. Other upcoming releases include “Hum To Tere Hi Liye The” from Vishal Bhardwaj’s O’ Romeo (set for a February 13 release), even if he steps away from the recording booth, he’ll ensure 2026 remains a year full of his signature tunes.
Legendary Indian singer Arijit Singh has announced his retirement from performing pic.twitter.com/KagoUPWbSV
— Pubity (@pubity) January 27, 2026
Arijit’s retirement comes after a year of great accolades, including being awarded the Padma Shri in 2025 for his contributions to Indian music. Industry peers Amal Mallik Mallik pointed out that they were shocked.The first heartache of 2026.’ In his Instagram story. For Arijit, the move is a transition to personal growth and a return to Indian Classical Music as he aims to continue his journey as a small artist away from the commercial pressures of the film industry. Although he’s “hanging it up” to play, his promise to continue making music independently offers a silver lining to millions of heartbroken listeners.
