Arijit Singh Retires from Bollywood, Speaks Against Industry Exploitation

Bollywood’s beloved playback singer Arijit Singh shocked fans on January 27 by announcing his retirement from playback singing, marking the culmination of his long, honest critique of the industry. The 38-year-old clarified he will continue making personal music but will no longer sign new films, citing boredom and a need for artistic freedom and fresh inspiration.

Speaking Truth to Power: The Salman Khan Incident

Singh’s most publicized clash came in 2014 when his comment to Salman Khan at an awards show sparked a years-long industry coldwar. When Khan asked if he had slept, Arijit replied, “You guys put me off to sleep.” The tension escalated in 2016 when his version of “Jag Ghoomeya” for Sultan was replaced, exposing the vulnerability of even top artists in Bollywood’s hierarchical system. Only recently did Salman clarify the misunderstanding on Bigg Boss 19.

Exposing Financial and Emotional Exploitation

Beyond public conflicts, Singh has consistently called out Bollywood’s systemic issues. In a 2023 Music Podcast interview, he criticized unfair payment practices and music labels, stating, “Either pay fairly for the work being done or don’t assign work at all.” He also revealed how passion is exploited in creative industries, explaining that artists’ “selfless relationship with art gets manipulated” when promised payments fall short.

Despite defending his choice to sing the Pasoori remake by citing a school fund for underprivileged children, Singh has never sugar-coated industry problems. His retirement represents more than a career decision—it’s a final statement against Bollywood’s exploitation, emphasizing that artistic integrity ultimately matters more than industry approval.