Arijit Singh Announces Retirement from Playback Singing Career
In a significant announcement that has sent shockwaves through the Indian music industry, celebrated vocalist Arijit Singh declared his retirement as a playback singer on Tuesday. The artist, widely regarded as one of the most talented and soulful voices in contemporary Indian music, revealed this career shift through his social media channels, marking the end of an era for countless film music enthusiasts who have cherished his contributions.
The Painful Journey of Voice Transformation
Amidst the discussions surrounding his retirement decision, an old interview has resurfaced where Singh opened up about the challenging process of modifying his natural voice. In a revealing conversation with The Music Podcast, the singer explained how he deliberately altered his vocal approach after facing widespread criticism for his original tone.
Arijit Singh shared candidly, "I have actually broken my voice. My voice wasn't like this earlier—it was completely different. To get that old voice back, I would have to stop everything for two to three months, but people hated that voice."
The Deliberate Process of Vocal Sculpting
The playback sensation elaborated on the intensive process he undertook to develop his now-iconic vocal texture. "When I started singing in that voice, people didn't like it at all. So I had to change my voice to kind of cut through. I kept straining my throat to create textures. It's almost like sculpting your voice," Singh explained during the interview.
He further described the physical toll this transformation required: "In a way, I've really tortured myself so that the voice projection changes—basically, like building muscle for the voice." This revelation provides remarkable insight into the dedication and sacrifice behind the voice that has dominated Indian playback singing for over a decade.
Retirement Announcement and Future Plans
While announcing his departure from playback singing, Arijit Singh clarified that this does not signal the end of his musical journey. The artist indicated he would continue exploring other avenues within the music industry, though he will no longer lend his voice to film soundtracks as a playback vocalist.
This decision comes at the peak of his career, following numerous chart-topping hits and widespread critical acclaim. Singh's distinctive voice has become synonymous with emotional depth in contemporary Indian cinema, making his retirement announcement particularly significant for the entertainment landscape.
The singer's journey from facing rejection for his natural voice to becoming one of India's most sought-after playback artists represents a remarkable story of perseverance and artistic reinvention. His willingness to undergo vocal strain and complete transformation demonstrates the extraordinary lengths artists sometimes go to connect with audiences and succeed in the competitive music industry.
