The Indian music industry was sent into a state of disbelief on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, as the legendary playback singer. Arijit Singh Announced his retirement from film assignments. The ‘Voice of a Generation’ announced on social media that he will no longer be accepting new playback singing projects, effectively ending a major era that started with 2013’s breakout hit Tum Hi Ho. While the singer clarified that he will continue to make independent music and fulfill his existing film commitments, the news has created a wave of nostalgia and mourning across the country.
As Arijit Singh shocked the industry by retiring, Virat Kohli’s tweets from a decade ago resurfaced.
In view of the announcement, an old tweet from the former Indian captain Virat Kohli It has resurfaced and is going viral as fans are reiterating the deep appreciation ‘King Kohli’ has always shown for the singer. On 24 January 2016, Kohli expressed his amazement on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“I am probably one of the biggest fans of Arijit Singh. Mesmerized by his talent and soulful voice. I am truly at a loss for words.” Kohli wrote on X.
I am probably one of the biggest fans of Arijit Singh. Mesmerized by his talent and soulful voice. Actually I am at a loss for words.
– Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) 24 January 2016
This sentiment was strengthened a year later when Kohli shared a ‘Fanboy Moment’ Photo with Arijit, noting that no one had captivated him with his voice like the singer.
“Pure fanboy moment for me. What an amazing person he is. No one has captivated me with his voice like this man. God bless you Arijit.” Kohli told in another post.
Pure fan moment for me. What an amazing person he is. No one has captivated me with his voice like this man. God bless you Arijit. 🙏😊 pic.twitter.com/aQMeGjQP8y
– Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) 17 October 2017
As the news of Arijit’s retirement spread, these posts became a gathering place for fans, who compared the singer’s sudden exit at the peak of his career to Kohli’s unexpected departure from Test captaincy. The mutual respect between the cricket and music icons highlights Arijit’s cultural impact, which has transcended the boundaries of Bollywood and touched the lives of India’s biggest celebrities.
See also: World Cup 2023: ‘I love you Virat’ – screams Arijit Singh mid-performance; Kohli’s reaction
Arijit Singh’s final note: ‘Mathrubhoomi’ for Battle of Galwan and ‘Hum To Tere Hi Liye The’ for O’Romeo
While Arijit Singh’s decision regarding new assignments is final, his voice will continue to grace the silver screen for a few more months as he completes his remaining contracts. Reports suggest that his patriotic track “Homeland” from the movie battle of galwanReleased just a few days ago on 24 January 2026, is one of his last monumental contributions to playback singing. Other pending releases including “We were only for you.” From Vishal Bhardwaj’s O’Romeo (scheduled for release on February 13), will ensure that 2026 will be filled with his signature tunes even after he steps away from the recording booth.
Legendary Indian singer Arijit Singh announces retirement from playback singing pic.twitter.com/KaqoUPWbSV
– Pubity (@pubity) 27 January 2026
Arijit’s retirement comes after a year of immense accolades, including being awarded the Padma Shri in 2025 for his contribution to Indian music. industry partners Amaal Malik Mallik said that he has expressed his surprise.The first heartbreak of 2026. On his Instagram story. For Arijit, the move marks a shift towards 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 is ‘putting it off’ for playback, his promise to keep making music independently offers a ray of hope to millions of heartbroken listeners.