Highlights:
-
Lucky Ali says Arijit Singh’s decision deserves respect, not judgment
-
He believes the move reflects a deeply personal breaking point
-
Ali highlights the importance of artistic independence in music careers
-
Arijit Singh has confirmed he will not take new playback singing assignments
- Advertisement - -
The decision has prompted widespread debate across the music industry
Singer Arijit Singh’s announcement that he will no longer take on new playback singing assignments has triggered extensive discussion across the Indian film and music industry. As reactions continue from composers, filmmakers, and fellow musicians, veteran artist Lucky Ali has publicly voiced his support for Arijit Singh, describing the decision as a personal and thoughtful step rather than a withdrawal from music.
Speaking to news agency PTI, Lucky Ali said Arijit Singh’s choice should be viewed with empathy and understanding. He emphasized that decisions of this nature are rarely impulsive and often follow a period of internal conflict. According to Ali, stepping away from a successful and high-profile career path requires conviction and clarity, particularly in an industry where expectations can be constant and demanding.
“You’ve got to stand in the musician’s shoes to understand what he’s really feeling,” Lucky Ali said. “If he’s taken a step like this, something must have snapped within him. I totally agree with Arijit when he made this stand.”
Arijit Singh and the choice to step back from playback singing
Arijit Singh confirmed his decision through a note shared on Instagram on January 27, a post that immediately drew attention from fans and industry observers. In the message, Arijit Singh thanked listeners for their continued support over the years and clarified that he would not be accepting new playback singing projects going forward. While the announcement signaled an end to one phase of his career, it did not rule out future musical expression in other forms.
“It was a wonderful journey,” Arijit wrote.
The statement marked a significant moment for Hindi cinema, given Arijit Singh’s influence over the past decade. His voice has been closely associated with some of the most commercially successful and widely recognized film songs in recent years. Tracks such as Tum Hi Ho, Channa Mereya, Agar Tum Saath Ho, Raabta, Kesariya, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Tera Yaar Hoon Main, and Tujhe Kitna Chahne Lage have helped define contemporary playback singing in Bollywood. His most recent song, Ghar Kab Aaoge from Border 2, is now among his final playback releases.
Lucky Ali on Arijit Singh and artistic independence
Lucky Ali, who has followed a largely independent and non-conventional musical career himself, rejected the idea that Arijit Singh’s decision represents a loss to cinema or to music. Instead, he described the move as a shift in approach rather than a complete departure.
“It’s not a loss,” Ali said. “He’s definitely going to sing, and he’s going to express himself. He just won’t do it under the same circumstances as before. You have to make your own road. That’s what we did—we made our own road.”
Ali’s comments reflect his own experience navigating the music industry outside traditional structures. Known for songs such as O Sanam, Safarnama, Na Tum Jano Na Hum, Gori Teri Aankhen, and Kabhi Aisa Lagta Hai, Lucky Ali has long been seen as an artist who prioritizes creative autonomy over commercial formulas.
Industry pressures and long-term sustainability
Expanding on the realities faced by musicians, Lucky Ali spoke about the challenges involved in building and sustaining a music career. He noted that success often comes with compromise, resistance, and exhaustion, particularly for artists working within large commercial systems such as film music.
“Nothing is offered to you on a plate,” he said. “You have to present your case in the best way possible and be fully convinced about what you’re doing. Once you cross that hurdle, things may feel a bit easier, but that doesn’t mean the road itself becomes easy.”
His remarks have resonated with many within the industry, especially as conversations grow around creative burnout, artistic control, and long-term career sustainability. Arijit Singh’s decision has prompted debate on whether playback singing, as a system, allows enough space for personal expression and balance.
Arijit Singh’s impact on Hindi cinema
Over the years, Arijit Singh has emerged as one of the most influential voices in modern Hindi cinema. His work spans romantic ballads, emotional themes, and large-scale film projects, making him a central figure in contemporary film music. For many listeners, Arijit Singh’s voice has become closely tied to the emotional tone of mainstream Bollywood storytelling.
Lucky Ali’s support has added a measured and reflective voice to the broader conversation. Rather than framing Arijit Singh’s decision as an exit, Ali’s perspective positions it as an assertion of personal agency and creative direction.
As the industry continues to respond, Arijit Singh’s move has raised larger questions about how artists define success, manage pressure, and choose when to change course. For now, the decision stands as one of the most closely watched developments in Indian music, with Lucky Ali’s endorsement reinforcing the idea that stepping back can sometimes be a deliberate and necessary choice rather than a final one.
