New Delhi, February 8: Where have you gone… The pain, strength, and emotion in Jagjit Singh’s voice resonate deeply in his ghazals. It was not merely the magic of melodies but a reflection of his life’s truth. His pain and suffering are woven into every note, every word, and every ghazal, forever etched in the hearts of millions.
Born on February 8, 1941, in Ganganagar, Jagjit Singh ventured into the world of Music, perhaps unaware that life would offer him both the sweetness of melodies and the bitterness of sorrow.
His life story is nothing short of a cinematic tale. While his father envisioned a career in civil service for him, Jagjit’s heart burned with a passion for music. His love for rhythm and melody led him down a different path. During his studies at Kurukshetra University, he resolved that music would be his world. He spent two years honing his craft under Pandit Chhagan Lal Sharma, followed by training in khayal, thumri, and dhrupad from Ustad Jamal Khan, all aimed at refining his voice.
Upon arriving in Mumbai, Jagjit faced the true test of his resilience. He struggled to find a significant break, living in a paying guest room while singing jingles for advertisements. He seized every opportunity to perform at weddings and small events. His passion for music and relentless efforts gave him the courage to persevere.
In 1967, he met Chitra Singh. Their love and musical connection blossomed into a partnership, culminating in their marriage in 1969. However, success in the music industry took time. Many film soundtracks, including ‘Leela’, ‘Billu Badshah’, ‘Rahi’, ‘Jwala’, and ‘Laung Da Lashkara’, failed to make an impact. Yet, Jagjit never lost hope.
In 1975, the release of the album ‘The Unforgettable’ marked a turning point. It quickly became a favorite among listeners, establishing the duo as a top choice for music lovers. The 1980s saw a surge in their performances, albums, and film songs. In 1987, Jagjit released the digital CD album ‘Beyond Time’, achieving a new milestone in Indian music.
Tragedy struck in 1990 when his only son, Vivek, passed away at the age of 18. This devastating loss shattered both Jagjit and Chitra Singh. It is said that he stopped singing after this heart-wrenching event.
Returning to music after such a profound tragedy was not easy, but the prayers of his fans and his passion compelled him to pick up the microphone again. When he resumed singing, it was not just music; it was an expression of his pain and emotions. The song ‘Chitthi Na Koi Sandesh…’ encapsulated his grief, becoming an instant hit and a permanent fixture in people’s playlists.
Jagjit Singh redefined ghazals and songs. Tracks like ‘Hoshwalon Ko Khabar Kya’, ‘Badi Nazuk Hai Ye Manzil’, ‘Kagaz Ki Kashti’, ‘Chupke Chupke Raat Din’, ‘Tum Itna Jo Muskur Rahe Ho’, and ‘Tumko Dekha To Ye Khayal Aaya’ taught listeners to feel love while also revealing pain, sensitivity, and the depths of life. He brought the poetry of Ghalib, Meer, Majaz, and Firaq Gorakhpuri to the masses.
His voice was not just music; it was an experience and a journey. Jagjit Singh bid farewell to the world on October 10, 2011, but his voice continues to live on in the hearts of music lovers.
–IANS
PIM/ABM