MUMBAI: National Award-winning lyricist and singer Swanand Kirkire has offered a thoughtful perspective on the recent announcement of Arijit Singh’s retirement from playback singing. While respecting the singer’s decision, Kirkire expressed his hope that the industry’s leading voice will eventually return, perhaps after a creative break.
In an interview with IANS, Kirkire also touched upon Neha Kakkar’s decision to take a break from professional and personal commitments, reflecting on the changing landscape of the music industry.
“The Film Music World Rides on Their Shoulders”
Kirkire did not mince words about Arijit Singh’s importance to Bollywood. He stated plainly that the singer’s retirement “is not something that should have happened,” simply because of his immense value to the industry.
“Arijit Singh taking retirement… they are young and brilliant, and the film music world needs them a lot; it rides on their shoulders. Maybe they got tired of that, you know,” Kirkire said.
He acknowledged that the constant, fast-paced demand of Bollywood can be exhausting. “The current pace of Bollywood music sometimes tires you out because you’re constantly doing the same kind of thing again and again.”
Understanding the Need for a Break
Rather than criticising the decision, Kirkire empathised with the reasons behind it. He pointed out that Arijit Singh is a multifaceted artist with interests beyond playback singing, such as filmmaking.
“Maybe he got bored, because he’s many more things… he has his reasons, and he can afford to do that. He can afford to take retirement because there are so many more people who are still making, still trying to make a way inside, you know, like when he was on the inside.”
He also connected Arijit’s move to a broader trend of artists gravitating towards independent music, freed from the constraints of film projects. “Independent music, if he’s trying to do that, will be great for music,” Kirkire added.
Hope for a Return
Despite understanding the need for a break, Kirkire’s core message was one of hope and reassurance for fans. He envisions this not as a permanent goodbye, but as a sabbatical.
“And maybe he’ll refresh and come back,” Kirkire said, expressing a sentiment likely shared by millions of listeners. He reiterated, “We need him, that’s for sure. And we need them, that’s for sure.”
The Rise of Independent Music
Kirkire used the conversation to highlight how the music landscape has been transformed by streaming platforms. “In the world of streaming apps, the music scene has changed a lot because now music for music’s sake is also coming out. You don’t need to make music only for films anymore.”
He noted that many new and established artists are choosing this path, finding it “refreshing.” Kirkire himself is a prime example, having released several independent non-film tracks alongside his film work.
“I have released five of my songs, which are independent… So that’s one holiday you take, you do your film work, and then you try to steal that little world of your own where you put out whatever you want to put out, without any policing.”
Key Takeaways from Swanand Kirkire’s Interview
| Aspect | Kirkire’s View |
|---|---|
| On Arijit’s Importance | The film music industry “rides on his shoulders”; we need him. |
| On the Reason for Retirement | Understands exhaustion from Bollywood’s pace and desire to explore other creative avenues like independent music and filmmaking. |
| On the Future | Hopeful that he will “refresh and come back” to playback singing. |
| On Independent Music | A positive, growing space enabled by streaming apps; allows artists creative freedom beyond films. |
| On Neha Kakkar’s Break | Acknowledged it as part of the same trend of artists needing to step back. |
