After stepping back from playback singing, Arijit Singh plans to open a school, spend time with children, and pursue filmmaking, says Anurag Basu.
From Playback Pause to a New Creative Phase
Arijit Singh, one of Bollywood’s most celebrated playback singers, has announced that he will no longer take up new playback assignments for films. The decision surprised the music industry and his global fan base, triggering widespread discussion about his future plans. However, filmmaker Anurag Basu has now offered clarity, suggesting that Singh’s move is a conscious shift toward other long-held aspirations rather than a sudden retreat from music.
Anurag Basu: “This Decision Didn’t Surprise Me”
Speaking to the BBC, Anurag Basu said he was not surprised by Arijit Singh’s announcement. Having known the singer closely for several years, Basu noted that Singh has always wanted to explore life beyond singing.
“People may be shocked by the news, but I wasn’t,” Basu said, adding that Singh possesses creative interests far wider than playback singing alone.
Education Close to His Heart
According to Basu, one of Arijit Singh’s most serious ambitions is to open a school. The singer reportedly wants to spend meaningful time with children and approach education from a humane and creative perspective, rather than viewing it purely through competition and performance.
This inclination reflects Singh’s long-standing preference for a low-profile life focused on personal fulfillment and social contribution.
Longstanding Interest in Filmmaking
Arijit Singh’s association with cinema extends beyond music. Basu revealed that during the making of Barfi!, Singh had expressed a desire to assist him on set, keen to understand the filmmaking process firsthand. His interest in storytelling and direction, Basu said, has only deepened over the years.
First Hindi Film Already Underway
Singh has now begun work on his first Hindi film as a filmmaker. The project is described as a jungle adventure film, with Nawazuddin Siddiqui playing the lead role. The film is currently being shot in Santiniketan.
Notably, the story has been co-written by Arijit Singh and his wife, Koel Singh, making it a deeply personal creative venture for the singer.
Retirement Post Clarified His Intent
In his announcement, Arijit Singh wrote that he would no longer accept new playback singing assignments, calling his journey as a playback vocalist “a wonderful chapter” and thanking listeners for years of support. The message made it clear that he is not stepping away from creativity altogether, but realigning his priorities.
Anurag Basu said:
“Arijit is immensely talented. Singing is just one part of who he is. He wants to do much more in life, and people will see a very different side of him in the coming years.”
Arijit Singh’s decision marks not an end, but a transition. With plans spanning education, children’s welfare, and filmmaking, the singer appears set to channel his creative energy into broader cultural and social pursuits. As these projects take shape, Singh’s role in Indian creative life may evolve beyond music, leaving a lasting impact across multiple domains.
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