Jagjit Singh, the ghazal colossus, is credited with bringing the art form to the wider public with his soulful voice.
New Delhi: When ghazal king Jagjit Singh passed away on 10 October 2011, fans the world over mourned him to the tune of one of his most poignant songs, Chitthi Na Koi Sandes, Jaane Woh Kaun Sa Desh, Jahan Tum Chale Gaye.
Jagjit Singh, who was born Jagmohan Singh Dhiman on 8 February 1941 in Rajasthan, is counted among the legends of Indian music, a title he earned with countless soulful renditions of ghazals where his voice injected the lyrics with deeper meaning.
Singh’s career panned out in two phases. He entered the first phase in the 1980s, when the Bollywood sun shone upon him. The second began with the demise of his and fellow ghazal titan Chitra Singh’s 20-year-old son in 1990. The couple gave up singing for a year after their son’s death.
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On his seventh death anniversary, here’s a look at some of the ghazals that defined Jagjit Singh’s oeuvre.
Honthon se Chhoo Lo Tum
One of his earliest brushes with Bollywood, this ghazal from the movie Prem Geet (1981) brought the art form out of its niche and helped it generate a following among the masses. It is a lovestruck person’s plea to a beloved to love them back.
Tumko Dekha Toh Yeh Khayal Aaya
With this classic from the 1982 movie Saath Saath, Singh cemented his position as India’s ghazal king. It was one of the defining moments of his Bollywood career, which spanned nearly three decades.
PS: Singh shares singing credits for this heartrending ode with wife Chitra.
Woh Kagaz Ki Kashti
Released in 1982, this was another duet with wife Chitra. The ghazal evokes the memories of a carefree childhood, and was later incorporated into the movie Aaj (1998).
Hazaaron Khwahishein Aisi
No list of Singh’s ghazals can be complete without at least one mention of his Ghalib renditions. Sung in 1988 for the TV series Mirza Ghalib, directed by Gulzar and starring Naseeruddin Shah as the iconic poet, it is a ghazal about longing and encapsulates the many desires that define human nature.
Chitthi Na Koi Sandes
A eulogy to the loss of a loved one, the song was part of the Dushman (1998) soundtrack.
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Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho
Fans heard this poignant gem as part of the soundtrack for the movie Arth (1982). The song, which addresses those who tend to mask their grief with happiness, stresses the need to confront one’s sadness in order to be able to live.
Hoshwaalon Ko Khabar Kya
This evocative ghazal from Sarfarosh (1999) speaks to the passions of romance, and advises people against judging lovers unless in love themselves.
The loneliness of the long distance walker, has a relief: Jagjit Singh
The heavy burden on the traveller shoulders,
Is less heavy while listening a Ghazal by Jagjit Singh…
The poetry of Ghalib and Mir Taqi Mir, is immersed in the voice of Jagjit Singh…
A journey through centuries –where nostalgia turns up in strength of the heart- travelling on the waters of The Ganges River, listening to Jagit Singh…
The beauty of many thousand years, from Ancient India, comes to us in the voice of Jagit Singh …
Wholeness of eternal love, is extracted from the Ghazals of Jagit Singh…
One day, I sung to the woman I love, one Ghazal of Jagit Singh. She was amazed by the incredible profound beauty of that Ghazal, and She asked me:
“Where did you get such an amazingly wonderful masterpice?”
My answer was plain and simple: “I own a deep gratitude to Jagit Singh” and I added the phrase:
“Dil karta hai, tera shukrya, Jagit Singh”
Thanks from the bottom of my heart to Jagit Singh. Thanks to India!
George Escolan-Suay – Canada
I think if the god can speak,the voice will be of Jagjit Singh…..my most faverate… Thukarao abke pyar karo, main nasheme hu❤️
Absolutely dada, he has god like voice . His songs touch the core of the heart even today’s and will be last till worlds doom. Thanks .
The legendary ghazal singer Jagjit Singh will alive within our hearts forever.His sweet, beautiful and velvet voice will remind us his soul-touch feelings which will touch our hearts forever.No doubt he was a king of ghazals.He has given many beautiful and splendid ghazals which take us away into the beautiful and emotional world.His ghazals reflect love, emotions and sensitive feelings.
Hoton se chhoo lo tum…
Kaun aayega yahaan…
Many more ghazals…
Remembering the king of ghazals…
Tribute to the gazal king Jagjit Singh on his seventh death’anniversary..his soulful renderings are evergreen and listening to them is a true pleasure.. will be forever grateful for leaving behind such lovely gazals.
Yes. Agree with Dr. Shubhra.. All his ghazals are so soulful.. He is the man who will always b remembered for his deep and mesmerizing voice.
Respect for him.
The Great Hon’ble Jagjit Singh ji & Chitra Singh Ji are amazing. Their melody will remain forever . Respects to His all associates,Writers,Musicians and Picture-Sound Engineering Units.
Why this partiality to Bollywood? Jagjit was popular in spite of these. I would have mentioned Bahut pahle se un qadmon ki aahat, Sarkati jaye hai, Duniya jise kahte hain, Ham to hain pardes me, and Beshumar aadmi.