Did Arijit Singh’s Playback Exit Have a Border 2 Connection? Bhushan Kumar Clears the Air

Producer Bhushan Kumar has firmly dismissed speculation suggesting that singer Arijit Singh was compelled to record a song for the upcoming film Border 2 amid his decision to step away from playback singing. The clarification comes days after Arijit Singh spoke publicly about his gradual departure from playback work, triggering widespread discussion online.

Following Singh’s announcement, sections of social media began linking his exit from playback singing to his participation in Ghar Kab Aaoge, a reimagined version of the iconic patriotic song Sandese Aate Hai. The track, which forms part of Border 2, brings together multiple prominent voices from the Indian music industry, leading to speculation that Singh had been pressured into lending his voice despite wanting to step back.

Addressing these rumours, Bhushan Kumar categorically denied any such claims. Responding to the speculation, he said that there was no truth to the narrative and suggested that those spreading such theories should verify facts directly with the singer. Kumar made it clear that Arijit Singh’s involvement in the song was entirely voluntary and not linked to any contractual or professional pressure.

The new track Ghar Kab Aaoge features a powerful lineup of singers, including Sonu Nigam, Roop Kumar Rathore, Vishal Mishra, Diljit Dosanjh, and Arijit Singh. The song revisits the emotional core of the original Sandese Aate Hai, which became a defining musical moment of the 1997 film Border and remains deeply ingrained in popular memory.

Arijit Singh, who recently turned 38, has also addressed the reasons behind his decision to step away from playback singing. In a message shared on his private social media account, the singer clarified that his decision was not driven by any single incident. Instead, he described it as the result of prolonged introspection and multiple personal and creative factors.

He explained that the decision had been in the making for some time and that he finally found the courage to act on it. Singh also reassured fans that he is not abandoning music altogether. He stated that he intends to honour his existing professional commitments, adding that listeners may still hear new releases featuring his voice in the near future.

One of the key reasons Singh cited for his move away from playback singing was creative fatigue. He acknowledged that he tends to lose interest quickly and feels the need to constantly evolve as an artist. According to him, this restlessness has often driven him to change musical arrangements during live performances and explore new interpretations of his own songs.

Singh also expressed a desire to explore different forms of music beyond mainstream playback, stating that creative growth requires change. Additionally, he highlighted his interest in supporting emerging voices in the music industry, indicating that stepping back could open space for newer talent.

His most recent playback recording was Maatrubhumi from the film Battle of Galwan. While speculation continues online, both Singh’s own statements and Bhushan Kumar’s clarification suggest that the singer’s exit from playback singing is a personal, long-considered choice — not one shaped by any single project or controversy.