Mahesh Bhatt Praises Arijit Singh's "Rare and Brave" Decision to Step Away from Playback Singing
In a poignant reflection shared just two days after playback sensation Arijit Singh announced he is calling off playback singing, veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has offered a deeply personal take on the singer's artistic journey. Bhatt, who produced the blockbuster musical romance Aashiqui 2, described Arijit's move as a rare, brave, and profoundly artistic decision—a conscious pause taken at the very peak of success.
"Some Artists Choose Silence Over Noise": Bhatt's Philosophical Take
Speaking to The Telegraph, Bhatt reflected on the significance of Arijit Singh's announcement. He remarked, "At the height of their powers, some artists step away — not from art but from noise. They choose silence, solitude, and truth over constant performance." This perspective highlights a broader artistic philosophy where creators sometimes retreat to reconnect with their core essence, away from the relentless demands of the industry.
The Day Tum Hi Ho Was Born: A Trip Down Memory Lane
Bhatt then transported readers back to the making of Aashiqui 2, recalling his first encounter with a young Arijit Singh. He said, "When I heard about Arijit's decision to stop singing for others, I was unexpectedly taken back to an afternoon at Super Sound Service in Khar — the old T-Series building — where the journey of Aashiqui 2 truly began." It was there that Arijit was called to sing what would become an anthem of love.
Describing that now-iconic moment, Bhatt painted a vivid picture: "A shy, self-effacing young man walked up to the dais and sang a song that would quietly mesmerise the world." According to the filmmaker, that single, humble performance altered the course of Arijit's life forever, serving as a springboard into a career that would redefine playback singing in Bollywood.
Arijit Singh's Emotional Farewell Note and Clarifications
Earlier this week, Arijit Singh stunned fans and the music industry by announcing he would not take any new playback singing assignments. In a heartfelt note, he expressed gratitude to his listeners, writing, "Hello, Happy new year to all. I want to thank you all for giving me so much of love all these years as listeners. I am happy to announce that I am not gonna be taking any new assignments as a playback vocalist from now on. I am calling it off. It was a wonderful journey."
He later clarified on his private X account that the decision was not driven by one incident but several factors. Arijit explained that creative boredom played a significant role, stating, "I get bored pretty quick... I need to do some other music to live," while expressing excitement about new voices emerging in the industry.
Reassuring his legion of fans, Arijit emphasized he is not stepping away from music entirely. He shared, "I am going to go back to Indian classical music. I wanna go back to making music," confirming that he will complete all his pending commitments. This shift suggests a return to his roots and a desire for artistic exploration beyond the playback format.
The Legacy of a Playback Icon
Arijit Singh's decision marks a significant moment in Indian music, coming from an artist who commands around ₹2 crore per show, as revealed by music composer Monty Sharma. His journey from that fateful Tum Hi Ho recording to becoming the voice of a generation underscores the transformative power of art. Mahesh Bhatt's reflections not only celebrate Arijit's past achievements but also honor his courage to choose a path less traveled—prioritizing artistic integrity over commercial noise.
As the entertainment world digests this news, fans can take solace in Arijit's continued dedication to music, albeit in a different avatar. His legacy in playback singing remains indelible, with timeless hits that will continue to resonate for years to come.
