
Playback singer Arijit Singh has broken his self-imposed retirement from film music, lending his voice to the new song Yeh Awarapan from the upcoming film Awarapan 2. The track, released Tuesday, marks his first major playback recording in months after he announced a break from singing for movies.
Composed by Amaal Mallik, Yeh Awarapan is a soulful, emotional number that picks up where the original 2007 hit left off. The song features actor Emraan Hashmi, who reprises his role from the first film. Fans were quick to draw comparisons between the two versions, with many praising Hashmi's unchanged screen presence and Singh's evocative vocals.
The track was released by the film's music label on streaming platforms early Tuesday. Within hours, it trended on social media as listeners noted the singer's return to a familiar, melancholic style.
Music composer Amaal Mallik revealed that Singh's involvement was a last-minute decision. In an interview, Mallik stated that the singer "has literally agreed only last week to sing it." He added that Singh had been firm about his retirement but made an exception for Awarapan 2 due to his personal connection with the original film and its music.
Arijit Singh's manager had previously clarified that the singer was not making a comeback in the traditional sense. The manager told media outlets that Singh had not permanently retired from singing, but was simply taking a break from playback work. This new recording, however, signals a shift from that stance.
The release of Yeh Awarapan has sparked a wave of nostalgia among audiences who grew up with the 2007 film. Social media posts highlight how Singh's voice complements Hashmi's brooding on-screen persona, recreating the emotional intensity of the original. Many fans have called the pairing a 'classic reunion' even though the two had worked together on the first film's soundtrack as well.
Emraan Hashmi's look in the song—featuring a rugged beard and intense expressions—has also drawn comparisons to his earlier avatar. The actor has not publicly commented on the song's reception yet.
The singer had announced his break from playback singing earlier this year, citing exhaustion and a desire to focus on personal projects. His decision to return, even for a single track, has led to speculation about whether he will accept more film assignments going forward. Industry insiders suggest that Singh is likely to remain selective, taking on only those projects that resonate with him personally.
For now, his fans are simply grateful to hear a new song. The track has already crossed several million streams on audio platforms within its first day of release.
What remains to be seen is whether this is a one-off return or the beginning of a full-fledged comeback. Arijit Singh has not issued any statement about his future plans, and his team has not confirmed any upcoming projects. For the moment, the music industry is watching closely.