The announcement of Arijit Singh possibly retiring from Bollywood playback singing has sent shockwaves through fans and industry insiders alike. Swanand Kirkire, the multifaceted artist grabbing attention with his web series ‘Bandwale’ where he both wrote the story and performed, opened up about this seismic shift.
In a heartfelt conversation, Kirkire pondered the singer’s fatigue. ‘Bollywood’s high-speed workflow and unending projects can exhaust the best talents,’ he said. ‘Arijit Singh’s decision to pivot to independent ventures deserves respect, yet his melodic touch will be sorely missed in movies.’
Reflecting on similar breaks by artists like Neha, he noted, ‘This shouldn’t be a permanent goodbye. He’s at the peak of his youth and skills. Music needs his responsibility. Maybe he’s tired or seeking variety beyond singing—perhaps directing or more.’
Kirkire acknowledged the influx of new voices. ‘Just as Arijit carved his niche, newcomers are stepping up impressively. Personal motivations are valid, and with so many rising stars, he can afford this space,’ he explained.
Wrapping up positively, Kirkire endorsed the indie path: ‘Independent music could be a brilliant move for him.’ ‘Bandwale’ boasts a powerhouse ensemble with Shalini Pandey, Jahan Kapoor, Ashish Vidyarthi, Anupama Kumar, Sanjana Deepu, and Kirkire himself, under Akshat Verma’s direction, weaving a motivational narrative around musical aspirations.