Mahesh Bhatt Reacts to Arijit Singh’s Retirement : ‘Some Artists Step Away From Noise’

Arijit Singh’s decision to step away from Bollywood playback singing has sent shockwaves across the Indian music industry and among millions of fans worldwide. As reactions continue to pour in, veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has shared a reflective and emotional response, calling the move an act of artistic integrity rather than withdrawal from creativity.

The announcement marks a significant moment in Hindi cinema, with Arijit widely regarded as one of the most influential voices of his generation.

Arijit Singh Announces Exit From Playback Singing

Arijit Singh, India’s most-streamed playback singer, announced that he will no longer take on new Bollywood singing assignments. While he will complete projects already in progress, the singer has decided to step away from the commercial playback system.In a message shared on social media, Arijit wrote,

“Hello, Happy New Year to all. I want to thank you all for giving me so much love all these years as listeners. I am happy to announce that I am not going to be taking any new assignments as a playback vocalist from now on. I am calling it off. It was a wonderful journey.”

The move has reignited conversations around royalty structures, creative pressure, and the sustainability of the commercial music ecosystem.

Mahesh Bhatt’s Philosophical Take on Arijit’s Decision

Reacting to the development, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt offered a thoughtful perspective in a conversation with The Telegraph Online. Rather than viewing the decision as a loss, Bhatt framed it as a conscious choice rooted in self-preservation.

“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,” Bhatt said.

He added that such moments often define artists who value inner clarity over relentless visibility.

Remembering Aashiqui 2 and ‘Tum Hi Ho’

Bhatt also revisited his first meeting with Arijit Singh during the making of Aashiqui 2, which he produced. Recalling the music launch, he described the moment Arijit first performed Tum Hi Ho—a song that would go on to change the landscape of Bollywood music.

“A shy, self-effacing young man walked up to the dais and sang a song that would quietly mesmerise the world. That moment became a springboard into a life that would never be the same again,” Bhatt recalled.

Released in 2013, Tum Hi Ho became a cultural phenomenon and firmly established Arijit Singh as the defining romantic voice of Hindi cinema.

Industry Reactions and the End of an Era

Several artists, including Shreya Ghoshal, Chinmayi and Shilpa Rao, have publicly supported Arijit’s decision, calling it brave and deeply personal. Fans, meanwhile, have expressed both heartbreak and gratitude for a body of work that defined a generation.

Over the years, Arijit Singh has delivered countless iconic songs such as Channa Mereya, Agar Tum Saath Ho, Raabta, Kesariya, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Tera Yaar Hoon Main and Tujhe Kitna Chahne Lage. His voice became synonymous with modern Bollywood romance and emotional storytelling.

A Defining Moment for Bollywood Music

Arijit Singh’s departure from playback singing signals a turning point for the Hindi film music industry. While his recorded legacy remains firmly intact, his exit raises important questions about creative freedom, fair compensation, and the pressures placed on artists within the commercial system.

As Mahesh Bhatt suggested, some artists choose to step away not because their art has ended—but because they wish to protect it.