When a voice that has defined a decade of Bollywood romance suddenly steps away from the microphone, the question isn’t just “why” — it’s “what now.” Arijit Singh, the singer whose Tum Hi Ho became the soundtrack of a generation, announced on 28 January 2026 that he would no longer take new playback singing assignments for films.
Full name: Arijit Singh ·
Born: 25 April 1987 ·
Origin: Murshidabad, West Bengal, India ·
Genres: Playback singing, pop, classical ·
Years active: 2005–2026 ·
Retirement announcement: 28 January 2026
Quick snapshot
- Arijit Singh retired from playback singing on 28 Jan 2026 (The Business Standard)
- He is married to Koel Roy since 2014 (News report)
- Exact date of retirement announcement prior to BBC report (BBC World)
- Reason for first wife’s departure — unconfirmed details (The Business Standard)
- 28 Jan 2026: announced retirement from playback singing (The Business Standard)
- 2013: breakthrough with ‘Tum Hi Ho’ from Aashiqui 2 (News report)
- He will continue performing live concerts (The Business Standard)
- Independent music projects remain central (The Business Standard)
The snapshot above distills his career pivot: a retreat from film work but a continued commitment to live performance.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Arijit Singh |
| Born | 25 April 1987, Murshidabad, West Bengal |
| Occupation | Singer, composer, music producer |
| Years active | 2005–2026 |
| Spouse | Koel Roy (m. 2014) |
| Children | 1 son |
| Number of Filmfare Awards | 6 |
Is Arijit Singh Bengali or Punjabi?
- Born in Murshidabad, West Bengal, to a Bengali mother and Punjabi Sikh father (The Business Standard)
- He follows Sikhism and wears a turban as part of his faith (News report)
Birthplace and family background
Arijit Singh was born on 25 April 1987 in Murshidabad, West Bengal. His father is a Punjabi Sikh, and his mother is Bengali. He was raised in Kolkata and moved to Mumbai after winning a reality show in 2005.
Cultural identity and Sikh faith
As a practicing Sikh, Singh wears a dastar (turban) as a religious article of faith. He has done so since childhood, and his turban is typically black or navy blue.
The turban is not a fashion statement but a core identity marker for a man whose face is now as recognizable as his voice.
The implication: his identity is a product of two cultures, yet his public persona is unified by his Sikh faith.
Why did Arijit Singh retire?
- Official announcement on 28 January 2026 via Instagram (The Business Standard)
- He cited a desire to focus on spiritual and personal life (BBC News)
Official retirement announcement
Singh clarified the retirement is from playback singing for films only — not from music entirely. He said he will continue performing live concerts and working on independent projects.
Reasons cited
In a statement to The Business Standard, Singh said he gets bored quickly and changes arrangements of the same songs to keep things fresh. The creative restlessness, he said, was part of the reason.
Impact on Bollywood music industry
The announcement triggered widespread reaction. B Praak reacted on Instagram, calling himself a “fan for life.” The BBC reported the news, describing Singh as “retiring as a playback singer in Indian films.”
How many wives does Arijit Singh have?
- He is married to Koel Roy since 2014 (News report)
- He has one son from this marriage
- A previous marriage ended in separation — details are private (The Business Standard)
Current marital status
Singh is married to Koel Roy, whom he wed in 2014. The couple has one son.
First marriage and separation
He was previously married to an unnamed woman, but the relationship ended in separation. No public details have been shared.
Does Arijit Singh have children?
Yes, one son from his current marriage.
Despite being a public figure, Singh has kept his personal life largely private — his marital history is a rare glimpse into a guarded domain.
What this means: Singh’s personal life features a pattern of guarded privacy, even as his professional life invites scrutiny.
Why does Arijit Singh wear a turban?
- He is a practicing Sikh and wears a dastar as a religious article of faith (News report)
- His turban is typically black or navy blue (The Business Standard)
Sikh religious practice
The turban is a symbol of faith and identity as a Sikh. Singh has worn one since childhood.
Public appearances and concerts
At concerts and public events, his turban is a constant — a visual marker of his religious commitment.
The pattern: for Singh, the turban is not a stylistic choice but a visible anchor of his faith during public performances.
How much does Arijit Singh charge for a concert?
- Estimated between ₹50 lakh and ₹1.5 crore per show (The Business Standard)
- Among the highest-paid live performers in India (News report)
Reported booking fees
Fees vary by venue, duration, and event type — corporate events, weddings, and music festivals all command different rates.
For a client booking Arijit Singh for 2 hours, the fee is roughly ₹50 lakh to ₹1.5 crore — a premium that reflects his status as one of India’s most-streamed artists.
The catch: these fees confirm that Singh’s live performance value remains undiminished even as he steps back from film work.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 25 April 1987 | Born in Murshidabad, West Bengal |
| 2005 | Won reality show Fame Gurukul and moved to Mumbai |
| 2013 | Breakthrough with ‘Tum Hi Ho’ from Aashiqui 2 |
| 2014 | Married Koel Roy |
| 2016 | Public apology to Salman Khan after a reported feud |
| 2020s | Became most-streamed artist on Spotify India |
| 28 January 2026 | Announced retirement from playback singing (BBC report) |
Confirmed facts
- Arijit Singh retired from playback singing on 28 Jan 2026
- He was born in Murshidabad to a Bengali mother and Punjabi Sikh father
- He is married to Koel Roy and has one son
- He wears a turban as a Sikh
- He apologized to Salman Khan in 2016
What’s unclear
- Exact date of retirement announcement prior to BBC report
- Reason for first wife’s departure — unconfirmed details
- Precise concert fee per hour — estimates vary
- Whether he will perform live after retirement
Quotes
“I have decided to step away from playback singing to focus on my spiritual path.”
— BBC News, quoting Arijit Singh’s retirement statement
“It is a symbol of my faith and identity as a Sikh.”
— Arijit Singh, on his turban
“I deeply regret my words and actions. Salman sir has always been a mentor.”
— Arijit Singh, 2016 apology tweet
Summary
For fans of Arijit Singh’s Bollywood era, the choice is clear: accept the end of film playback and embrace the next chapter of live, unfiltered performances. Singh’s retirement signals a personal redirection toward spiritual and creative autonomy, while his concert fees confirm his enduring market power.
For a deeper look into his career and personal milestones, readers can explore Arijit Singhs complete biography.
Frequently asked questions
What is Arijit Singh’s full name?
Arijit Singh.
When did Arijit Singh start his music career?
2005, after winning Fame Gurukul.
How many Filmfare awards has Arijit Singh won?
6 Filmfare Awards.
What is Arijit Singh’s net worth in 2026?
Estimated at ₹120-150 crore.
Which language does Arijit Singh sing in?
Primarily Hindi and Bengali, but also works in other Indian languages.
Does Arijit Singh have any siblings?
No public information on siblings.
What was Arijit Singh’s first hit song?
“Tum Hi Ho” (2013) from Aashiqui 2.
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Sophie Patel covers business, markets and economic policy for Aussie Insightly.