Armaan Malik Declares Independent Music More Exciting and Lucrative Than Bollywood Playback
Singer Armaan Malik has delivered a frank and insightful analysis of India's rapidly transforming music landscape, asserting that while Bollywood undoubtedly made him a household name across the nation, the independent music scene is swiftly emerging as the more thrilling and financially rewarding arena for contemporary artists.
The Dual-Path Strategy for Holistic Success
In a detailed conversation, Malik elaborated that the ultimate key to sustained success in India lies not in choosing one path over the other, but in skillfully balancing both worlds. "The most successful artists from India will always be able to balance out both," he stated emphatically. "Both are important for the growth or holistic growth of someone from an Indian perspective."
He acknowledged the unparalleled reach of Bollywood music, noting that it remains a dominant force listened to by millions. However, he highlighted that the rise of independent music has unlocked unprecedented creative and financial opportunities previously unavailable. "It is becoming more and more exciting and lucrative to be part of the independent scene rather than the Bollywood playback scene," Malik revealed.
Creative Freedom Versus Mass Appeal
Malik explained the distinct advantages of each domain. Independent music offers immense accessibility and creative freedom, allowing any artist to produce and release a single. "Independent music is open for anyone to make a single and put it out," he said. However, he cautioned that this freedom demands a clear artistic vision and high-quality output. "Obviously, there is a quality of song that is required. People need to be able to get into your world, the world you created, visually or sonically."
Conversely, Bollywood playback singing provides massive, built-in audiences through films. Malik was careful to clarify that this evolution toward independent music does not diminish Bollywood's significance. "I wouldn't say that one industry is more important than the other," he asserted, advocating for coexistence rather than competition. "I think there are a lot of opportunities in both. There are playback singing opportunities and independent music," he explained, stressing that neither should "eat into the other."
Industry Context and Arijit Singh's Shocking Announcement
Malik's remarks arrive during a period of intense discussion and transformation within the Indian music industry. Notably, on January 27, 2026, legendary playback singer Arijit Singh sent shockwaves through the entertainment world by announcing his retirement from film playback singing via a social media post. In his official statement, Singh declared, "I am not going to be taking any new assignments as a playback vocalist from now on. I am calling it off." This move has further fueled debates about the future trajectories for Indian vocalists.
Armaan Malik's Personal Artistic Rebirth and Global Ambitions
On the professional front, Armaan Malik is personally embracing this shift. He is currently sitting on nearly 15 unreleased English songs, signaling a strong strategic push toward captivating a global audience. "I am sitting on almost 15 unreleased English songs that I can't wait to put out," he shared enthusiastically. He is actively working to shape these tracks into a cohesive body of work, with hopes of releasing an album. "Hopefully, I can put an album together. If not this year, then maybe early next year," he added.
This upcoming phase represents what Malik describes as a profound "rebirth" of the artist. After dedicating 18 years to the music industry, he is consciously moving away from a pursuit of polished perfection and toward greater vulnerability and honesty in his art. "You're going to witness a rebirth of the artist," he promised, emphasizing his desire for fans to connect with the real person behind the music. "I definitely want myself to be vulnerable in my music and on stage."
Strategic Roadmap for the Coming Year
Looking ahead, following what he termed "shedding a skin" in 2025, Malik outlined a focused plan for his career. This strategy includes:
- Increasing the number of live performances to connect directly with audiences.
- Infusing his work with deeper artistic intention and consistent new releases.
- Placing greater emphasis on visual and sonic direction to ensure his unique personality shines through in every aspect of his output.
Malik indicated that the first part of the year will be dedicated to meticulous planning and structuring his career roadmap. "The middle of the year is when all my new music will start taking shape and coming out there for all my fans," he said, expressing palpable excitement for the journey ahead. "This year feels very exciting already!"
