'Swami Vivekananda is my inspiration. I want to follow him': Arijit Singh’s quiet philanthropy and the spiritual influence behind it

Arijit Singh’s decision to step away from playback singing has sparked intense conversations across the music world, but beyond the shock lies a lesser-known side of the singer that has quietly shaped his life and choices. While fans revisit his songs and celebrate his achievements, Arijit’s deep spiritual grounding and commitment to giving back have once again come into focus. His journey, marked by humility, introspection, and purpose, reveals an artist driven not just by success but by a desire to serve others meaningfully.

Arijit Singh recently announced his retirement from playback singing through a social media note, thanking listeners for the love they have shown him over the years and confirming that he will no longer take up new assignments as a playback vocalist. He described his journey as a fulfilling one, signalling the end of a defining chapter in Hindi film music, even as he continues to remain creatively active in other ways.

His quiet philanthropy

Amid the reactions to his retirement, attention has returned to Arijit Singh’s quiet philanthropy and the spiritual philosophy that guides it. He has envisioned and built the Tatwamasi Foundation with the intention of giving back to society, beginning with his own surroundings. Deeply inspired by Swami Vivekananda, Arijit has spoken about drawing motivation from his teachings, especially the idea of selfless action and moving forward not for personal gain but for the welfare of others. His belief that positive change must start at home has shaped the foundation’s grassroots approach to community service.

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Arijit Singh's career and achievements

A leading figure in contemporary Hindi film music, Arijit Singh has received numerous accolades over the years. His honours include two National Film Awards and eight Filmfare Awards. In 2025, he was conferred the Padma Shri by the Government of India, recognising his immense contribution to Indian music.

Arijit’s professional journey began gaining momentum in 2010 when he collaborated with composer Pritam on films such as Golmaal 3, Crook and Action Replayy. He sang Neeve Na Neeve Na for the Telugu film Kedi and made his Hindi playback debut with Phir Mohabbat from Murder 2. Wider recognition followed with Raabta from Agent Vinod, after which he contributed to soundtracks of films like Players, Cocktail and Barfi!. His breakthrough arrived with Aashiqui 2 in 2013, especially Tum Hi Ho, which earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer.


Following this success, Arijit recorded songs for films including Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Chennai Express, Jackpot and Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela. Through the mid-2010s, he continued collaborating with Pritam and other composers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he lent his voice to the Amazon Prime Video series The Forgotten Army – Azaadi Ke Liye.

In the years that followed, Arijit continued recording across Hindi and regional cinema. In 2023, his rendition of Kesariya from Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva won widespread acclaim and earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer at the 68th Filmfare Awards. In 2025, he won his eighth Filmfare Award for Sajni from Laapataa Ladies.