“Ila Arun Backs Arijit Singh, Says Retirement Was the Right Choice”

Ila Arun on Arijit Singh’s Retirement: ‘He Could Be the Next Sanjay Leela Bhansali’

Last week, Arijit Singh surprised fans by announcing his retirement as a playback singer, prompting an outpouring of reactions from peers and admirers. Ila Arun, who knew him during his Fame Gurukul days, shared her thoughts on his journey and future.

A clip from the show recently went viral, showing a young Arijit breaking down in tears after Ila reprimanded him for voting out a friend. She recalls, “I had veto power and saved him from eviction three times. Even then, I knew he was the most talented. On the day he got eliminated, I said, ‘Arijit hi hai lambi race ka ghoda.’ My blessings are always with him.”

Ila says monotony may have driven his decision: “He’s been singing similar songs for years and isn’t part of any rat race. He’s spiritual and wise—he must have thought, enough is enough. I don’t think he’ll regret it.” She praises his humility and grounded nature: “Despite fame, he lives in his hometown, works from home, and even runs a restaurant serving meals for Rs 40. There’s a divine strength in him—call it passion or madness—that sets him apart.”

On his future, she adds, “He’s directing a film featuring Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s daughter. He isn’t obsessed with money, but he has the talent to become the next Sanjay Leela Bhansali.”