If you know Urdu word Ghazal, you most certainly will know the name Jagjit Singh. Ghazal is a form of Urdu songs with profound meaning and a philosophical commentary over life. One of the most influential classic Indian artists from past century, Jagjit Singh ji is credited for bringing this form of singing out of the elitist mehfils (you can picture how) and into the mainstream music. Famously titled as Ghazal Samrat, he was known for his grace, simplicity and a vocal depth evoking deepest of human feelings. His rich voice carried emotions beyond languages, countries and cultures. You know what I am talking about if, irrespective of your native language, you've ever heard any of the below classics:
'Hothon Se Chhu Lo Tum',
'Tum Ko Dekha To Ye Khayal Aaya',
'Tum Itna Jo Muskara Rahe Ho',
'Hoshwalon Ko Khabar Kya',
'Wo Kagaz Ki Kashti',
'Chitthi na Koi Sandes',
'Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar',
'Koi Fariyaad',
'Hazaron Khwahishen Aisi' (Ghalib)
Born in Sri Ganganagar (Rajasthan) in 1941 before independence, Jagjit ji started his professional career with All India Radio in 1961. Later he married famous south Indian singer Chitra and formed the much adored pair of Ghazal king and queen. So rarely an individual becomes such synonymous with an art form, as Jagjit Singh became with Ghazal gayaki, despite many Indian & Pakistani singer composers leaving solid footprints already. A quick Google search on 'Ghazal' would verify this thought.
But the greatness comes with a burden. A personal loss, an unspeakable tragedy, made Jagjit and Chitra almost quit music altogether. An unfortunate road accident consumed the life of their only son Vivek in 1990 at a tender age of 20 years, and the subsequent trauma and grief cut the musicians off their music for more than a year. Chitra eventually never sang again while Jagjit Singh ji returned with a renewed melancholy in his voice. Perhaps the song- 'Tum itna kyun muskara rahe ho, kya gam hai jisko chhupa rahe ho'- encapsulates Jagjit Singh's life from this point onward.
With many record breaking albums with almost all music labels, and countless awards throughout life including Padma Bhushan in 2003, Government of India released two postal stamps in his honor post his death in 2011.
Death gave a new life to Jagjit Singh's music and his personal loss turned out to be a mankind's gain. In our selfish joy of his cherished music, let us make a silent prayer for this music maestro today, whose musical service to humanity has earned him immortality. As one of his song goes- 'Hothon Se Chhu Lo Tum, Mera Geet Amar Kar Do'.
Comments