Singer’s reported playback break brings back memories of a long-suspected professional rift
January 28, 2026: Arijit Singh’s reported decision to step away from playback singing has once again turned the spotlight on his once-publicised fallout with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, a controversy that dates back to the early years of the singer’s career. The episode, which dominated headlines for years, is being widely discussed again as Singh has sung the patriotic track Maatrubhumi for Khan’s upcoming film Battle of Galwan, signalling a renewed professional association between the two.
The rift reportedly began after an awkward on-stage exchange at an awards ceremony in 2014, where Khan, hosting the event, made a remark about Singh appearing tired, prompting a casual response from the singer. The moment was believed to have irked the actor, following which Singh’s songs were allegedly dropped from several Salman Khan films, including Kick, Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Sultan. Notably, Singh’s version of Jag Ghoomeya was replaced in Sultan, after which the singer publicly apologised to Khan in a now-deleted social media post, insisting he had never intended to offend him.
Signs of reconciliation became visible in 2023 when Singh collaborated with Khan on Tiger 3, lending his voice to Ruaan and Leke Prabhu Ka Naam. Khan later addressed the issue on Bigg Boss 19, admitting the misunderstanding was from his side and confirming that the two share a cordial relationship. With Singh now reportedly reassessing his playback career, fans are revisiting the long arc of this equation—one that appears to have come full circle with mutual acknowledgment and renewed collaboration.