We remember music maestro Jagjit Singh on his 72nd birthday in complete harmony. Singh toured the U.K. in 2011 and was due to perform with Ghulam Ali in Mumbai but suffered a cerebral hemorrhage on 23rd September 2011. He was in a coma for over two weeks after which he died on 10th October 2011 in Mumbai.
Born 'Jagmohan Singh', he was popularly known as 'Jagjit Singh' and 'Ghazal King' by everyone. He gained acclamations and started off together with his wife, Chitra Singh who is also a Ghazal singer in the early 70s. Singh's contribution to the music industry has been immense.
Earlier he was known for his songs in the non-film category. But later on, Singh sung for movies like 'Bahuroopi' (1966), 'Avishkaar' (1974), 'Preet Ka Geet' (1984), etc., and since then he was singing Ghazals in almost all the movies. Some of his songs are very famous and untimely. People still hum his songs like 'Hothon Se Choo Lo Tum', 'Badi Nazuk Hai Yeh Manzil', 'Hoshwalon Ko Khabar', 'Tumse Bichad Kar' and many more.
The couple, Jagjit and Chitra recorded a duo and released their first album 'The Unforgettable' that was significant, surprising and a success. The song 'Baat Niklegi' from this album achieved unbelievable heights. Media reported this song as a ground breaking record, transformative and a milestone in the history of Indian Ghazal and music.
Jagjit Singh commented on these reports saying, "I determine to polish this genre, make it more acceptable to the modern tastes". And today we all agree that indeed he did prove his words right. Youngsters of today's generation as well cannot stop humming these Ghazals.
Singh has won innumerable awards, in 2003; he was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the government of India. He was also awarded for popularizing the work of Mirza Ghalib. Jagjit also received Lata Mangeshkar Samman Award in 1988 by the Madhya Pradesh government and several more.
Missing the veteran singer on his birthday, here's a small tribute to him:
"Hosh Walon Ko Khabar Kya,
Dil Lagi Kya Cheez Hai,
Ishq Kijiye Fir Samjhiye, Ishq Kijiye Fir Samjhiye,
Zindagi Kya Cheez Hai..."