Alka Yagnik Supports Arijit Singh’s Decision To Retire From Playback Singing; States, “It’s His Choice”

For decades, Alka Yagnik has remained one of the most iconic voices in Indian cinema, defining generations of music lovers with her timeless songs. So when she revealed in 2024 that she was battling a rare hearing disorder, it came as a shock to fans across the country. The diagnosis forced her to step away from playback singing at a time when her voice continued to hold immense cultural relevance. Now, in a recent interaction, the veteran singer has opened up again, sharing a health update while also reflecting on her career, her rare collaboration with Arijit Singh, and his recent decision to step away from playback music.

Alka Yagnik Reveals She Is “Still Suffering”

In a recent interview with NDTV, Alka Yagnik spoke about her ongoing battle with sensorineural hearing loss and admitted she continues to struggle. She had earlier revealed that a sudden viral attack led to the rare condition, which drastically impacted her hearing. Speaking to NDTV, she said, “Composers approach me now and then. But I am not able to do it.” She also acknowledged that she is “still suffering” from the illness, which has prevented her from taking up new singing assignments.

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Her last recorded track remains Naram Kaalja from Amar Singh Chamkila, directed by Imtiaz Ali and composed by A. R. Rahman.

Earlier this year, the Government of India honoured Alka Yagnik with the Padma Bhushan. Reflecting on the recognition, she said in the same interview, “Not really. Whenever it comes, it’s welcome like that.” Her response, much like her persona, remained grounded despite decades of contribution to Indian music.

About Alka Yagnik’s Hearing Loss Announcement

Back in 2024, she had shared a deeply personal note explaining the sudden onset of her condition:
“To all my fans, friends, followers and well-wishers. A few weeks ago, as I walked out of a flight, I suddenly felt I was not able to hear anything. Having mustered some courage in the weeks following the episode, I want to break my silence now for all my friends and well wishers who have been asking me why I’m missing in action. It has been diagnosed by my docs as a rare sensorineural nerve hearing loss, due to a viral attack…this sudden, major setback has caught me completely unaware.”

Yalka Yagnik On Arijit Singh’s Retirement Announcement

Alka Yagnik also shared her thoughts on Arijit Singh’s decision to step away from playback singing earlier this year. Responding to the development, she said, “It’s his choice. Whatever he wants to do, it’s his choice. I would say a very personal choice.”

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Interestingly, despite both being towering names in the industry, Alka and Arijit have only collaborated once, on Agar Tum Saath Ho from Tamasha, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone. Recalling the recording process, she said, “Arijit was there in the studio. But A.R. Rahman wasn’t; he was in Los Angeles at the time. That’s how we recorded it.”

Even as she battles a challenging health condition, Alka Yagnik continues to remain deeply connected to music and the industry she helped shape. Her honesty about her struggles, combined with her graceful reflections on recognition and change, only reinforces her legacy, not just as a legendary voice but as an artist who continues to inspire, even in silence.

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Also Read: Udit Narayan kiss controversy: Singer’s old clips kissing Shreya Ghoshal, Alka Yagnik surfaces on YouTube – Watch

Varsha Tiwari

Varsha Tiwari is a budding content writer passionate about Bollywood, pop culture, and the stories behind the spotlight. She enjoys breaking down trends, celebrity moments, and film narratives into engaging, reader-friendly content. Always curious and observant, she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Communication and Journalism. Outside of writing, she enjoys painting because storytelling doesn’t always need words to make an impact.