Arijit Singh has not returned to playback singing despite the release of his latest song Yeh Awarapan, his manager has confirmed, ending speculation among fans.
The title track of Awarapan 2 released on Tuesday and quickly sparked rumours that the singer had changed his decision to step away from playback singing. The song’s arrival led many fans to believe that Arijit had ended his retirement and made a comeback.
However, his team has clarified that the song is not a return to playback singing. According to Hindustan Times, Arijit recorded Yeh Awarapan as part of commitments he made before announcing his decision to stop accepting new playback projects.
“He is just completing the projects that were finalised before the retirement was announced. Arijit isn’t doing a comeback in playback singing. These are old commitments,” his manager told ThePrint.
Composed by Amaal Mallik and written by Rashmi Virag, Yeh Awarapan features Emraan Hashmi reprising his role as Shivam Pandit from the film. The song explores themes of grief and inner conflict.
Released under the Sony Music India banner, the track also reunites Arijit with Mukesh Bhatt’s production house Vishesh Films. The singer rose to nationwide fame with Tum Hi Ho from Mohit Suri’s 2013 romantic musical Aashiqui 2, which was also produced by Vishesh Films.
Arijit surprised fans in January when he announced that he would no longer accept new playback singing assignments. He first shared the decision on Instagram before explaining on X that he wanted to focus more on classical music and spend time creating music on his own terms.
While the announcement disappointed many fans, Arijit clarified that he was not leaving music completely.
“God has been really kind to me. I am a fan of good music and in future will be learning more and doing more on my own as a small little artist. Thanks again for all your support. I still have to finish some pending commitments, will finish them. So you might get some releases this year. Just to be clear that I won’t stop making music,” he wrote.
Soon after, he released his independent single Raina, which received a positive response from listeners.
Over the years, Arijit has become one of India’s most recognised playback singers, lending his voice to popular songs including Tum Hi Ho, Channa Mereya, Agar Tum Saath Ho, Raabta, Kesariya, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Tera Yaar Hoon Main, Tujhe Kitna Chahne Lage and Tum Kya Mile.
