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.