Composer Ismail Darbar is the latest celebrity to weigh in on playback singer Arijit Singh’s decision to step away from film music.
Calling Arijit “brave” and “intelligent,” Darbar said the singer had used his “businessman brain” to steer away from the hegemony of music labels.
During an interview with Subhojit Ghosh, Ismail was asked about his initial reaction to Arijit’s retirement from playback singing. His response was candid and layered — part regret, part admiration.
“I only felt bad about the fact that I never got the opportunity to do a song with him. I felt bad for myself because I wanted to work with him, and I wanted to see him in a different light. He was also just following the same style as his fellow music directors. He is good at what he does, I am good at my work — we would have done something different in a collaboration. That’s what I was upset about,” Darbar said.
‘Cooked food going into the label’s stomach’
The veteran composer didn’t mince words while explaining why he believes Arijit’s move makes business sense.
“But he also knows that we are living in the time of social media. If he was singing for T-Series, then it’s the same thing as cooked food going into the label’s stomach instead of Arijit’s (the label will profit if he sings for them),” he remarked.
“He used his businessman brain. I have to say that Arijit Singh is not an innocent or naive person. He is intelligent. As good as he is as a singer, his decision was also that intelligent. I am happy about that — if he doesn’t want to do it, he shouldn’t do it.”
Darbar further underlined that Arijit’s stature today is self-made.
“Arijit isn’t big because of them (labels) today. He is what he is today because of his own hard work and God’s blessings. If he comes in front of me, I will ask him to do one last song with me. But vo thoda pagal hai, nahi gaayega vo (he won’t sing, I know),” he added with a laugh.
“This message is just for my listeners”
After announcing his retirement from playback singing on January 27, Arijit Singh once again reached out to fans — this time with a deeply personal and emotional note on X. While he has stopped accepting new assignments, the singer clarified that several unfinished songs are still lined up for release in the coming months.
“This message is just for my listeners. Please don’t read and swipe right now if you are not my listener, it’s a humble request. Hello beautiful people! ❤️ I just want to tell you all that I love you. Thank you so much for your kindness in this ruthless world,” he wrote.
Reassuring fans that his voice will continue to be heard despite his decision, he added, “Although I have stopped taking new assignments, the list of pending songs are not less you know. I will have to complete a lot of songs. Don’t involve into explaining people, how many times will you? There are so many unfinished songs, they are gonna keep releasing until done. Maybe through this whole year. Maybe it will touch next year too.”
He concluded the note with a spiritual appeal, “Be peaceful. Try to get out of this platform. Remove spike proteins from your body, leave 5g, read, love, meditate. Jay Devi!”
