Popular singer Arijit Singh has announced his retirement from playback singing. He shared the news in an emotional post on Instagram. Arijit said he will not take any new playback assignments. He thanked fans for their love and support over the years. The singer said his journey had been wonderful but gave no reason for the decision. Fans reacted with shock and disbelief online. Arijit is known for hit songs like Tum Hi Ho, Channa Mereya and Hawayein. He has won two National Awards and received the Padma Shri in 2025.

Bollywood's leading playback singer Arijit Singh announced his retirement from playback singing on January 27 via Instagram, marking a significant shift in Indian music industry. While thanking fans for years of support, Singh clarified he won't accept new playback assignments but will honor existing commitments with releases expected this year. Emphasizing "I won't stop making music," he plans to continue independently as a "small little artist," focusing on learning and personal musical evolution. Singh's career spans numerous acclaimed film soundtracks and collaborations across Bollywood. The announcement prompted reflection from fans and industry colleagues on his lasting influence, as he transitions from traditional playback format to independent artistic pursuits. (PC: X)

Lollapalooza India 2026 Day 2 at Mahalaxmi Racecourse drew large crowds as Linkin Park headlined the evening in Mumbai. The band performed a career-spanning set, including In the End, Crawling, Faint and Numb, with strong audience participation throughout. It marked their Mumbai debut and second show in India after Bengaluru. Newer songs such as The Emptiness Machine and Heavy Is The Crown were also part of the set. Other performances on Day 2 included Kehlani, who collaborated with Talwiinder, LANY, Calum Scott, Sammy Virji, BUNT., and Nubiyan Twist. Indian acts Bloodywood, Karsh Kale, and OAFF x Savera also featured prominently.

Ryan Coogler’s supernatural drama Sinners has become the first film in Oscars history to receive 16 nominations, breaking the long-standing record of 14 held by classics like Titanic and La La Land. The film, starring Michael B. Jordan in dual roles, earned nods in major categories including Best Picture, Director, Actor, Supporting Actor and Actress, as well as many technical awards. It has grossed around $368 million worldwide and is widely acclaimed for its storytelling, performances and production. One Battle After Another follows with 13 nominations. The 98th Academy Awards take place March 15, 2026.

A driver was arrested after a road accident involving Akshay Kumar’s security car in Juhu, Mumbai. The crash happened on Monday night after a chain collision. Police said a speeding car hit an auto-rickshaw, which then overturned and rammed into the escort vehicle. Two people were injured. The accused, Radheshyam Rai, was booked for reckless driving. An auto driver’s brother told ANI, “My brother and the passenger were trapped under the rickshaw.” The case was registered by the Mumbai Police. Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna have not reacted yet. (PC: PTI, X)

A vehicle in Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar’s convoy was involved in a road accident in Mumbai’s Juhu area on Monday night. Police said a Mercedes car hit an auto rickshaw, which then crashed into the convoy vehicle, an Innova. Akshay and his wife, Twinkle Khanna, were travelling in a separate car ahead of the convoy. Their vehicle suffered a minor impact and both were reported safe. The accident occurred around 9 pm. Police reached the spot and began inquiries. The auto driver and a passenger were taken for medical care. No deaths were reported. (PC: India Today)

Music composer A R Rahman has responded to criticism over his recent comments on Bollywood, which triggered strong reactions online. In a public statement, he said his words were misunderstood. “India is my inspiration, my teacher and my home,” Rahman said. He stressed that music has always been his way of uniting people. The statement featured visuals of Maa Tujhe Salaam performed at a cricket match. Rahman also spoke about projects celebrating India’s diversity, including mentoring young musicians and scoring Ramayana with Hans Zimmer. The controversy followed his interview with BBC Asian Network. (PC: India Today)

A. R. Rahman has released a video statement after facing criticism over comments made in a recent interview. The composer said India is his inspiration, teacher, and home, and stressed that his remarks were misunderstood. Rahman said his intention was never to hurt anyone and that he has always tried to serve the country through music. He highlighted his work with young artists, orchestras, and multicultural projects across India. Rahman also said he feels honoured to compose music for Ramayana. He ended the video by expressing gratitude to the nation and reaffirming his commitment to music rooted in Indian culture.

Composer A R Rahman has blamed his reduced Bollywood work on industry changes. “Non-creative people now control decisions,” Rahman said in a recent interview, hinting at outsider bias and rumours.   Critics, however, say his post-2015 Hindi albums also hurt his standing. After Tamasha, films like Mohenjo Daro and Heropanti 2 failed to impress. “The music became forgettable,” many reviewers noted.   While Rahman’s South Indian projects remain strong, his inconsistent Bollywood output has weakened his legacy. Fans say a full-blooded comeback is still possible if the composer returns to bold choices.

Singapore authorities have clarified that popular Indian singer Zubeen Garg’s death last September was accidental, not murder, the coroner’s court heard. The 52-year-old drowned near Lazarus Island after going for a swim from a yacht, despite refusing to wear a life jacket offered to him; he initially removed one that was too large and declined a smaller one. Police described him as “severely intoxicated,” with high alcohol levels likely impeding his coordination. Investigators found no evidence of foul play. Garg had been in Singapore for the North East India Festival and died a day before his scheduled performance.