India, Jan. 29 -- Arijit Singh's sudden announcement of his retirement from playback singing has sent shockwaves across the music industry and among his millions of fans. On January 27, 2026, the 38-year-old singer wrote, "I am calling it off, it was a wonderful journey," confirming that he would not be taking up any new assignments as a playback singer.

While the decision has left many surprised, it also brings focus back to where it all began for Arijit - his early days on the reality show Fame Gurukul. Long before his soulful voice became a mainstay in Bollywood, Arijit was a 17-year-old contestant learning to navigate fame in front of national television audiences.

Aired in 2005, Fame Gurukul was the Indian adaptation of the UK show...