Madhubanti Bagchi on Arijit Singh quitting playback singing: ‘The system puts singers in a box and doesn’t let them explore’

Singer Madhubanti Bagchi has reacted to Arijit Singh’s decision to step away from playback singing, saying the film industry often “puts singers in a box” and limits their artistic range. In a recent conversation, the singer spoke about what she described as the “grey side” of the playback music industry and how artists are often categorised into specific styles.

‘The system basically puts you in a box’

Bagchi said singers in the playback industry are often treated as part of a “servicing industry”, where they are expected to fulfil a specific requirement rather than explore their own artistic identity.




“The system is basically putting you in the box and not letting you... Basically, you are in a servicing industry. There is a particular purpose that you serve,” she told Fever FM.

She added that artists who want to experiment with their own music rarely get support from the industry. “If you want to do your own thing then you don’t serve their purpose and that’s not encouraged. That you do in your own space — usme paise nahi dalenge [they won’t invest money in it]. Woh aise gaane gawayenge bhi jispe paise nahi dalenge, promote nahi karenge uss gaane ko,” she said.

‘Has the industry helped them reach their true potential?’

Reacting to Arijit Singh stepping away from playback singing, Bagchi questioned whether the industry has truly allowed artists like him to explore the full range of their abilities.

“That was how it has always been, for someone like Arijit Singh, or Sunidhi Chauhan, or a Shreya Ghoshal. Imagine the range of artistry that they have. The vocal range is unthinkable,” she said, referring to Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal.

She further asked whether the playback industry has helped them reach their full potential. “But has the industry, specifically the playback industry, been able to help them reach their actual true potential? No. They have been segmented,” she said.

‘Arijit sang so many crying and romantic songs’

Bagchi also pointed out that Arijit Singh has often been associated with a particular type of song.

“The number of crying and romantic songs Arijit has sung... it took him a while to reach a Binte Dil. He is very blessed,” she said, referring to the song Binte Dil.

She added that not every singer gets such opportunities. “Can I say the same for myself? I don't know if I will ever get a song like that,” she said.



Arijit Singh had announced on January 27 through social media that he would be stepping away from playback singing. However, the singer later clarified that while he has stopped accepting new projects, several previously recorded songs are still pending release.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”