Arijit Singh will not return to playback singing, according to his manager, while Diljit Dosanjh has declined to join a political protest.
These developments signal a shift in how top-tier Indian artists manage their public personas and professional boundaries. Singh's continued absence from film music leaves a void in the Bollywood industry, while Dosanjh's refusal to engage in political activism highlights the tension between celebrity influence and personal neutrality.
Reports had circulated that Singh was ending his retirement to record the song “Yeh Awarapan” for the film Awarapan 2 [1]. However, a manager for Singh said the singer is not making a comeback and will not take any new playback assignments [2]. This contradicts earlier reports suggesting a single project [1] would mark his return to the recording studio.
Separately, singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh addressed his involvement in the CJP protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Dosanjh sought to distance himself from the political nature of the demonstrations, emphasizing his identity as a creative professional rather than a public official.
"I am an artist, not a politician," Dosanjh said [3].
Dosanjh further clarified his position regarding the expectations placed upon him by activists. He said to keep him away from the protest, adding that if people want him to speak in support, that is not his role [4].
These statements come as the CJP protest continues to seek high-profile endorsements to amplify its message. The spokesperson for the movement said they were dissatisfied with Dosanjh's decision to remain neutral [3].
Singh's decision to maintain his retirement suggests a permanent departure from the playback format that defined his career. Meanwhile, Dosanjh's stance reinforces a boundary between the entertainment industry and the political arena in India.
“"I am an artist, not a politician."”
The simultaneous distancing of these two figures from traditional expectations—Singh from the industry and Dosanjh from political activism—reflects a broader trend of Indian celebrities asserting autonomy over their public roles. By rejecting the 'comeback' narrative and the 'activist' label, they are prioritizing personal boundaries over the demands of film studios and political movements.
