How Arijit Singh's Hometown In Bengal Reacted To His Retirement From Playback Singing

The global music landscape reverberated with shock and disbelief when legendary vocalist Arijit Singh announced his decision to step away from playback singing. Millions of fans across the world grappled with the news, but nowhere was the impact felt more profoundly than in Jiaganj, the serene West Bengal town that cradled his childhood and shaped the man behind the iconic voice.

For the residents of Jiaganj, Arijit Singh isn't just a global superstar; he remains their beloved 'dada'. His fame, though immense, has remarkably failed to alter the rhythm of his life within this close-knit community. Locals regularly witness him navigating the town’s narrow lanes on his scooter, meticulously selecting fresh produce from the bustling local market, dutifully dropping his children off at school, and dedicating countless hours to honing his craft in his personal studio.

Despite recently moving into a newly constructed three-storey home near his father's original dwelling, the essence of the neighbourhood where he came of age continues to define his humble demeanour. This seamless integration into everyday life is a testament to his character.

Voices from Jiaganj: A Portrait of Simplicity

Tandra Ghosh, a neighbour, vividly describes Arijit's effortless blend into the community fabric. "His house is right beside ours now, and my daughter even studies at the same school as his child. What truly strikes me, despite his monumental fame, is how he interacts with everyone so normally, just like any of us. In fact, our home address has now informally become 'near Arijit Singh's house' – it's quite the landmark!" she shared, highlighting the deep personal connection.

For families who have nurtured bonds with Arijit since his formative years, the announcement of his retirement from playback singing initially felt surreal, almost unbelievable. Paromita Dutta, whose family shares a cherished, decades-long history with the singer's family, underscored how his global identity has never overshadowed the endearing boy they watched grow up. "For us, he is still 'Shomu'. Arijit Singh is a name for the world to know and admire," she stated, adding a poignant observation, "He has blessed us with so many melodies that there’s truly a song for every relationship, and a relationship intertwined with every song. Be it someone's first love or an unrequited crush, an Arijit song invariably captures that emotion."

The emotional resonance between Jiaganj and his music transcends mere chart performance or prestigious accolades; it’s rooted in shared history and collective pride.

A Generation's Disbelief: The Future Without New Melodies

Among the younger generation of students and residents, the news has been met with a profound sense of disbelief and overwhelming sadness. Many grew up with the omnipresent sound of Arijit’s captivating voice, never contemplating a future where new playback recordings from him would cease to exist.

Arnab Saha, a local student, expressed the collective sorrow, "We were incredibly saddened to hear that Arijit would no longer be singing new playback songs. It made me realise I’ve been listening to him for so many years, and now, the prospect of new songs in that capacity is gone."

Beyond his unparalleled talent, it is Arijit’s unwavering simplicity that residents admire most deeply. Shiny Majumdar, holding back tears, articulated this sentiment beautifully. "Arijit moves amongst us with such humility that I often tell my children – look and learn from him. He is such a giant in the music world, a phenomenal singer, yet he lives so ordinarily among us. This is a matter of immense pride and an invaluable lesson for all of us here."

She further elaborated on the broader inspiration he provides: "People often solely focus on academic pursuits, but by observing him, we understand that one can forge a path forward in life through singing as well, even from a small town like ours. That realisation alone is incredibly significant for our community."

While the retirement announcement has undeniably sent ripples of shock through Jiaganj, there’s an underlying current of belief that this may not signify the absolute end of his profound musical journey.

Paromita Dutta perfectly encapsulated the town's hopeful sentiment: "We cannot fully grasp what Arijit's true intentions are right now, but something profound must be stirring within him. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have made such a momentous decision so abruptly. We are certain he will embark on something truly remarkable and impactful in the future."

The Announcement and Its Aftermath

Arijit Singh formally conveyed his decision on January 27 through a heartfelt declaration posted on a widely used social media platform. In his message, he expressed profound gratitude to his listeners for their years of unwavering love and support. The singer stated he would no longer be accepting new assignments as a playback vocalist, describing his tenure as a "wonderful journey" before drawing the curtain on that chapter of his career.

Following this, various personal reflections, believed to be screenshots from his private digital account, began circulating online, offering a more intimate glimpse into his rationale. "There isn't just one reason behind this decision; it's a culmination of several factors, and honestly, I've been contemplating this for a long time. Finally, I've mustered the courage to act. One simple reason is that I tend to get bored quite quickly, which is why I constantly modify arrangements of the same songs for live performances. So, to put it plainly, I got bored," he reportedly shared, providing a candid, albeit surprising, explanation for his departure.

Arijit Singh's journey into the public consciousness began in 2005 as a contestant on a popular reality television show, where he gained initial recognition despite being eliminated before the final round. His official playback debut arrived in 2010 with the Telugu film Kedi, and he subsequently garnered widespread acclaim in Hindi cinema with his work in the 2011 film Murder 2.

Over the span of his illustrious career, Arijit has lent his voice to hundreds of songs across numerous languages, earning him two National Film Awards. In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the arts, he was also honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri in 2025, solidifying his place as one of India's most cherished musical icons.