Indian music fans are in shock and paying tribute after beloved singer Arijit Singh announced he is stepping away from Bollywood playback singing, ending an era that defined contemporary Indian cinema music.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday,Arijit Singh said, “I am calling it off. It was a wonderful journey.” Social media quickly flooded with heartfelt posts praising his voice, described by many as “the soundtrack of our joys and heartbreaks” and “a part of every moment in our lives.”

Playback singing, where singers record songs that actors lip-sync on screen, has been central to Bollywood storytelling. Singh’s voice became inseparable from this tradition, lending depth to romantic ballads and hit soundtracks for over a decade. He has also worked with global stars like Ed Sheeran and performed to sold-out crowds at venues including London’s Wembley Arena.

While he did not reveal his reasons for quitting, reports suggest Singh will complete ongoing projects and continue creating music independently, exploring personal and experimental ventures outside commercial films.

Known for his soft-spoken personality, Singh has long avoided the spotlight, rarely giving interviews and keeping public appearances low-key. Born in 1987 in Jiaganj, West Bengal, he grew up surrounded by classical music, training in vocals and tabla from an early age. His first national recognition came in 2005 on the reality show Fame Gurukul, though he did not win. His breakthrough arrived in 2013 with Tum hi ho song from Aashiqui 2, a song that redefined romantic music in Bollywood with its raw, intimate emotion.

Singh’s career flourished afterward, recording in multiple languages and collaborating with top composers like AR Rahman, Pritam, and Vishal–Shekhar. Despite fame, he preferred a simple life in his hometown, often spotted riding his scooter or meeting friends, rather than embracing city glamour.

Read More: Arijit Singh announces retirement from playback singing

Fans now speculate what the future holds for the singer, interpreting his decision as a personal move away from commercial pressures or a new creative chapter. Whatever path he chooses, Arijit Singh’s voice will remain a defining presence in India’s music scene.

With inputs from BBC