Tum Itna Jo Muskurareho, Kya Gam He Jisko Chupa Rahe Ho.......
True word..... True sense....
Like this line ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh put a vail on the pain in his heart and entertained the world. His unforgettable voice spoke of our own torment which had a deep impact on our souls.
picture source: e Khabar photos (picasa)
Ghazal king Jagjit Sing is one of the most renowned ghazal singers of the contemporary times. In present era where the Gen Y is heavily inclined towards rock and jazz, it is heartening to see the overwhelming influence of Jagjit Sing’s ghazals among them.
Jagjit Sing was born in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan on 8th February 1941. His father Sardar Amar Sing Dhiman was a Government employee and mother Bachchan Kaud had a spiritual family environment. He had four sisters and two brothers. His family members called him “Jeet”. He went to Khalna High School in Sri Ganganagar and after matriculation; he went to DAV College Jalandhar to complete his graduation. He also acquired postgraduate degree in history from Kurukshetra University, Haryana. Although his father wanted him to join the Indian Administrative Service, he was later reported to be happy with his son’s achievements in the world of music. He learnt music under Pandit Sheganlal Sharma for two years and later trained under Ustad Jamal Khan of the Senia Gharana. Here he learnt Kheyal, Thumri, and Dhrupad.
To try his luck in the field of music Jagjit Sing moved to Bombay in the year 1965. In initial years, he sang at wedding parties and in jingles for advertisements. That time the world of ghazal was dominated by Talat Mahamood, Begam Akhtar, Noor Jahan etc. However, his meaningful and melodious songs soon made an impact.
“Tum ko dekha to yeh khayal aya...”
In 1967, he met another beautiful singer named Chitra and fell in love. After two-year long relationship, they got married in December 1969. They released their first album –“The Unforgettable” in 1976. The husband wife duo produced some magnificent albums such as Ecstasies, A Sound Affair, Passions etc.
In Early 90’s they released an album named Beyond Time. Around this time, they lost their only son Vivek in an accident at the age of 21. It was a shock for this couple. After the release of the album, Someone Somewhere, Chitra quit singing.
Nevertheless, Jagjit Sing continued to sing. He infused new spirit to songs with some more western instrument. He brought ghazal ( always thought to be for the elite class) to the doorsteps of the ordinary man. He was awarded India’s third highest civilian honour the Padma Bhusan in 2003 for his contributing to music and culture. He released only one album with Lata Mangeskar named “Sajda” which was a huge hit and sold innumerable copies.
The king of ghazal Jagjit Sing died on 10th October 2011. The 70 years old was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai. He was suffering from brain haemorrhage. However, after 10th October his fans will not hear “yeh doulat bhi le lo, yeh shohorat bhi le lo....” but his work will live on and on.
About the Author-
Priya Panda is student of Journalism and Mass Communication at Muralidhar Girl's College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and they do not reflect in any way those of the Dispassionate Observer.
