Arijit Singh releases first independent song after playback exit

Indian singer Arijit Singh has entered a new phase of his career with the release of his first independent song, “Raina”, following his decision to step away from accepting new playback singing assignments. The romantic ballad, released on February 27, marks a deliberate shift from film-driven music toward artist-led creative work.

Long associated with contemporary Hindi cinema’s emotional soundscape, Arijit Singh announced earlier this year that he would no longer take on new playback projects. The decision surprised fans and industry observers alike, given his continued dominance across film soundtracks. While stepping back from future film commitments, the singer clarified that previously recorded songs would continue to release over the coming months.

“Raina” arrives as the first clear expression of that transition.

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The track has been composed by Shekhar Ravjiani, with lyrics written by Priya Saraiya. Announcing the release on Instagram, the collaborators wrote, “‘Raina’ is ot now and all yours. Turn it up, feel it deeply, let the night take over. Watch the official video on the @garuudaamusiic YouTube Channel."

Built around restrained instrumentation and lingering melodies, the song leans into Singh’s familiar emotional register while allowing greater creative freedom outside the cinematic format. Promotional material describes the track as a “deeply romantic ode to a woman who feels like the night itself, mysterious, breathtaking, and endless.”

The online reaction was immediate. Fans flooded social media with praise, many framing the release as both a farewell to one era and the beginning of another.

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One listener wrote, "Nothing, just Arijit Singh dropping insanely good independent music after retiring from playback." Another commented, “This feels like another side of Arijit Singh, slow, sweet, and soulful." A third fan posted, “Independent music By guruji," while another shared, “Finally happy tears by hearing his voice again."

Singh first announced his withdrawal from new playback assignments on January 27 through Instagram, thanking listeners for years of support. “I want to thank you for giving me so much love all these years as listeners. I am happy to announce that I am not going to be taking any new assignments as a playback vocalist from now on." He described his career journey as “wonderful" before adding that he was “calling it off."

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The announcement initially triggered confusion within the industry, prompting the singer to clarify that multiple unreleased recordings remain in circulation. Those songs are expected to arrive gradually through this year and possibly into the next.

Despite his decision, Singh’s voice will continue to be heard in cinema for some time. He has already recorded songs for the upcoming film “Ek Din”, starring Junaid Khan and Sai Pallavi, produced by Aamir Khan. The makers recently released the title track, ensuring his presence within film music even as he redirects his artistic focus.

For an artiste whose playback career helped define a generation of Bollywood romance, “Raina” signals less a retreat than a recalibration — one shaped by autonomy, experimentation and a quieter form of musical authorship.