KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 28 -- Arijit Singh, one of India's highest-paid and most prominent Bollywood singers, abruptly announced his retirement on social media last night, leaving millions of fans in shock and disappointment.

Expressing his gratitude to his fans, Arijit said he would not be taking any new assignments as a playback singer - a popular term in India referring to vocalists who pre-record songs to be used in movies or series.

"I am calling it off. It was a wonderful journey," the 38-year-old singer posted on Facebook and Instagram yesterday.

However, it was not immediately clear if Arijit would continue doing live performances or switch to other careers related to Indian music or cinema.

Arijit debuted in Bollywood with the Phi...