Music

Arijit Singh’s Unfinished Melodies: A Goodbye That Doesn’t Quite End


When Arijit Singh announced his decision to step away from playback singing earlier this year, it felt like a quiet storm passing through the music world. There was no drama, no grand farewell—just a simple note, almost like one of his songs, understated yet deeply emotional. For fans who have grown up with his voice stitched into their memories, it felt personal.

But now, in a message that feels both comforting and bittersweet, Arijit has reminded everyone that endings are rarely absolute. In a heartfelt note shared with his listeners, he expressed gratitude for the love he has received in what he called a “ruthless world.” At the same time, he revealed something that instantly reignited hope—his journey isn’t entirely over yet. There are still many songs left unfinished, and those songs will continue to find their way to listeners over the course of this year, possibly even beyond.

It’s a revelation that changes the tone of his “retirement.” Instead of a sudden silence, what lies ahead is a slow fading echo—new releases that carry the essence of what he has always been known for: emotion, depth, and an uncanny ability to make every listener feel seen. For fans, this means that the connection isn’t being cut off abruptly. Instead, it’s being extended, gently, song by song.

His note, however, wasn’t just about music. It carried a philosophical undertone—advice to step away from noise, to read, to meditate, to find peace. It felt like Arijit wasn’t just signing off from playback singing, but also urging people to reconnect with themselves in a world that rarely slows down. And then came the line that has stayed with everyone: “Who knows what lies ahead?”

That one sentence has sparked countless interpretations. Is it a hint at a possible return? Or simply an acknowledgment that life is unpredictable, even for someone who seems so certain about stepping back? Fans, of course, are holding on to hope. Because when an artist like Arijit leaves the door even slightly open, it’s hard not to imagine him walking back in someday.

Interestingly, his retirement announcement in January had already created waves across the industry. Even Aamir Khan personally visited him, urging him not to quit, especially while working on the title track of Ek Din, a film connected to his son. The moment, captured in a behind-the-scenes video, showed just how valued Arijit is—not just as a singer, but as an emotion that filmmakers rely on. Meanwhile, voices like Shreya Ghoshal stood in support of his decision, respecting the choice of an artist who has given so much over the years.

What makes this phase particularly intriguing is its in-between nature. Arijit Singh is neither fully present in the playback scene nor completely gone. He exists in this space where his past work continues to breathe, and his unfinished songs promise a future that hasn’t entirely closed.

And maybe that’s what makes it so poetic. Because if there’s one thing Arijit Singh has always done, it’s leave us with feelings that linger long after the music stops.

Music

Universal Music India and Maddock Films Launch ‘Mad For Music’ Label


Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Universal Music India (UMI), a major force in India’s music landscape, has announced a significant partnership with Maddock Films for its newly launched music label, ‘Mad For Music’. Founded by acclaimed filmmaker Dinesh Vijan, the label marks a new chapter in the collaboration between film and music production in India.

Under this alliance, UMI will serve as Maddock’s global strategic partner for all film soundtracks and music-related ventures. This partnership not only strengthens UMI’s foothold in the Indian film music scene but also provides Maddock Films with international exposure through Universal Music Group’s global network.

With a long-standing legacy of working on some of Hindi cinema’s most iconic soundtracks—including Sholay, Deewar, Devdas, Bombay, and Shaan—UMI brings extensive experience and reach to the table. This collaboration is poised to shape the soundscape of future Indian cinema.

Dinesh Vijan, the visionary behind Maddock Films, expressed his excitement, stating, “We live and abide by the ‘Content-first’ approach. Our cinema is the cinema of real India – emanating from the smallest of towns and impacting audiences in the biggest of cities – in India and abroad. Music is – and has always been – one of the central pillars of my films. UMG is a perfect partner for our ambitions, as we step into the next growth phase of Maddock, developing some of the most sought after movie franchises and creating new genres.”

With ‘Mad For Music’, the stage is set for a fresh wave of original, impactful soundtracks that reflect contemporary India while tapping into global audiences. This partnership could well redefine the way film music is created, distributed, and consumed.

Music

Tanishk Bagchi Responds to ‘Saiyaara’ Plagiarism Claims: “We Didn’t Steal Anything”


Written by Tanisha Cardozo

July 29, 2025 — Mumbai: While Saiyaara, Mohit Suri’s romantic drama, continues to set the box office on fire and its title track dominates Spotify’s Top Global Chart at No. 4, its success hasn’t come without controversy.

The film’s composer Tanishk Bagchi is facing criticism after several social media users pointed out that the track bears a strong resemblance to One Direction’s 2014 ballad Night Changes and Jubin Nautiyal’s Humnava Mere. Now, Bagchi is responding.

Tanishk’s Response: “Chords Are Limited — Soul Is Not”

In an interview with India Today, Bagchi was candid yet firm in his response:

“Whatever I do, people will have something to say. They keep looking for ways to pull me down. But ultimately, the song will go where it’s destined to go, and Saiyaara is proof of that.”

Acknowledging that the chords are similar, Bagchi explained that they’re rooted in the A minor scale, which typically has only 3–4 common chords.

“But every melody has a different soul,” he continued. “Even if you could replicate the chords, making a song hit on emotion is difficult. We worked on the emotion — and that’s why it connected.”

He added with clarity:

“We didn’t steal anything. Idhar se utha ke udhar nahi kiya. (We didn’t lift it from there and place it here.)”

Saiyaara: A Surprise Blockbuster

The film marks the Bollywood debut of Ahaan Panday, who stars opposite newcomer Aneet Padda. Directed by Mohit Suri, known for Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain, Saiyaara has been praised for its raw emotional tone, soulful music, and passionate performances.

In just 11 days, the film has grossed over ₹256 crore domestically, and the soundtrack — especially the title track — continues to dominate international charts, helping the film reach global audiences.

A Composer Under Scrutiny, Again

Tanishk Bagchi has long been a polarising figure in Bollywood music. Initially earning praise as part of the Tanishk-Vayu duo with songs like Banno, he gained mass recognition with emotional hits such as Bolna and commercial fame with high-energy remixes like Aankh Marey, Dilbar, and Tamma Tamma Again.

However, he has also frequently been accused of being Bollywood’s “remix king,” a title that’s earned him both fanfare and criticism. This latest controversy only adds to that narrative — though Bagchi insists Saiyaara was built on originality and emotion.

The Bigger Picture: Musical Inspiration vs. Imitation

With so many global musical influences overlapping across genres, conversations around originality and inspiration have become common. Whether Saiyaara toes the line or crosses it is up for debate — but with its massive success and audience connection, the music seems to have struck the right chord.