Ismail Darbar thinks Arijit's playback singing retirement is brave and intelligent

Ismail Darbar spoke about Arijit Singh's recent retirement from playback singing. He described the move as both brave and intelligent, and expressed regret at not being able to collaborate with the singer.

Music director Ismail Darbar has responded to Arijit Singh's announcement of retirement from playback singing, describing the move "brave" and "intelligent." In January this year, Singh shared on Instagram his decision to step away from taking new playback assignments, marking the end of a significant chapter in his musical career.

In a recent conversation with podcaster Subhojit Ghosh, Darbar admitted to feeling personal disappointment about never collaborating with Arijit Singh. He said, "I only felt bad about the fact that I never got the opportunity to do a song with him. I felt bad for myself, because I wanted to work with him, and I wanted to him to be seen in a different light. He was also just following the same style like his fellow music directors. He is good at what he does, I am good at my work, we would have done something different in a collaboration. That’s what I was upset about."

Despite his regret, Darbar made it clear that he respects Singh's decision, acknowledging the strength it takes for an artist to step back from a successful career. "The retirement was his personal decision. If he left playback singing, I am glad he had the guts. He is a strong person, it’s not easy to let go off such a daily income," he said.

The popular music director also spoke about the financial implications of leaving playback singing, especially considering the influence of major music labels. He pointed out, "But, he also knows that we are living in the time of social media. If he was singing for T-Series, then it’s the same thing as cooked food will go into the label’s stomach, instead of Arijit’s (the label will profit if he sings for them)."

According to Darbar, Singh's move demonstrates a keen business sense and thoughtful planning. "He used his businessman brain. I have to say that Arijit Singh is not an innocent or naive person. He is intelligent. As good he is as a singer, his decision was also that intelligent. I am happy about that, if he doesn’t want to do, he shouldn’t do," he elaborated.

The 61-year-old further remarked that Singh's achievements are not solely due to the backing of music labels. He said, "Arijit isn’t big because of them (labels) today. He is what he is today because of his own hard work and God’s blessings. If he comes in front of me, I will ask him to do one last song with me. But vo thoda pagal hai, nahi gaayega vo (he won’t sing, I know)."