My loving tribute to Ghazal King Jagjit Singh on his 6th death anniversary

Remembering Jagjit Singh: Sirf Ek Awaaz Nahi, Ek Ehsaas Bhi

For a generation of youth which knows Arijit Singh (I am a huge fan of his songs and comparison used for relative purpose only) as the messiah of Ishq and Love , I proudly introduce them to Padmabhushan Shri Jagjit Singh (iconic ghazal and playback singer, musician and composer) who ruled the hearts of a generation of young music lovers in the 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s.For many, “he” was the ultimate messiah of “Ishq” and “Love”.

For Hindi film music lovers and Ghazal fans of that era, Jagjit Singh was their voice, someone who knew their heart and soul. Kahin koi dhadakta hua dil Toh Kahin koi toota hua dil, Kahin Mashooqa ke Husn ki Tareef, Kabhi khoya hua pyaar Toh Kabhi Kisi Se Judaai. Somewhere a beating heart or a lonely soul grieving in the pain of separation from his/ her sweetheart, someone somewhere praising the beauty of his beloved or soaked in those memories of lost love or loss of a loved one. Jagjit Singh’s soulful and soothing voice found a deep connect in their lives.

I was introduced to the world of Ghazals through Jagjit Singh’s songs (he being the one and only reason for my love for Ghazals till today). Just for information, a “Ghazal” is a Persian, Arabic or Urdu word meaning conversation with one’s sweetheart, a poetic expression in lyrical form (shayari) with fixed verses set to music. Ghazals are usually songs about unreciprocated love or the beauty of love. I have been listening to Ghazals for long but its only now while writing this tribute that I bothered to check the literal meaning of the word.

I remember my aunt and my good friend in college being great fans of Jagjit Singh. In fact I used to mock my friend for being crazy about him (Since I also like many during my time thought Ghazals were only for the old and boring types). But with passing time, I realized his songs were slowly growing on me too. Very soon with the first few of his songs that I listened to, I found myself to be already a part of his massive fan following worldwide.

Jagjit Singh born Jagmohan Singh Dhiman (8^th Feb 1941- 10^th Oct 2011) in Bikaner, Rajasthan came from a humble background. From advertising jingles to playback singing, ghazals, folk and devotional songs (Album Maa, 2006 was a huge success).

He made a mark in the Ghazal world in the 1970’s when it was dominated by stalwarts like Talat Mehmood and Mehdi Hasan. He revived and popularized ghazals, bringing it from the elite classes to the masses in a career spanning  5 decades and over 90 albums. Together with his wife and renowned Ghazal singer herself, Chitra (Shome) Singh, he achieved great fame and commercial success. Who can forget their popular duets  “Us Mod Se Shuru Karen Phir Yeh Zindagi” or the soulful “Meri Zindagi Kisi Aur ki Mere Naam Ka Koi Aur Hai”, the catchy “Mere Jaise Ban Jaoge Jab Ishq Tume Ho Jaayega” or the breathtaking “Sarakti Jaaye Rukh Se Naqab Ahista Ahista .

‘Love’ in the times of Jagjit Singh was unspoken, passionate and eternal. Like a beautiful dream or a gentle breeze, his songs were simple compositions with emphasis on melody and deep, meaningful, mesmerizing words. In his soft and gentle voice, they are not just words but a generous flow of precious gems like:

 

Hum Labon Se Keh Na Paaye Unse Haal-E- Dil Kabhi 

Aur Woh Samjhe Nahi Yeh Khamoshi Kya Cheez hai

Ishq Ki Jaye Phir Samajhiye Zindagi Kya Cheez Hai

Hoshwalon Ko Khabar Kya Bekhudi Kya Cheez Hai

(Film Sarfarosh 1999, Lyricist Nida Fazli)

Waqt Rehta Nahi Kahin Tik Kar, 

Iss Ki Aadat Bhi Aadmi Si Hai

Shaam Se Aankh Mein Nami Si Hai, 

Aaj Phir Aap Ki Kami Si Hai

(Album Marasim 1999, Lyricist Gulzar)

Apni Marzi Se Kahan Apne Safar Ke Hum Hai, 

Rukh Hawaoon Ka Jidhar Ka Hai Udhar Ke Hum Hain 

(Album Mirage 1996)

Khair Main Pyaasa Raha Par Usne Itna Toh Kiya, 

Meri Palkon Ki Qataaron Ko Woh Paani De Gaya

Jaate Jaate Woh Mujhe Achchhi Nishani De Gaya 

Umr Bhar Dohraoonga Aisi Kahani de Gaya

(Album Sisilay 2002, Lyrics by Javed Akhtar)

Listing a few of his many classics :  

·         Hothon Se Choo Lo Tum (Prem Geet 1981)

·         Tumko Dekha Toh Yeh Khayal Aaya (Saath Saath 1982)

·         Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho (Arth, 1982)

·         Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar (Arth, 1982)

·         Tere Khushboo  Mein Bhase Khat (Arth 1982)

·         Gham Ka Khazana (Album Sajda 1991 with legendary Lata Mangeshkar)

·         Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi Shab Bhar Raha Charcha Tera (Khamoshi)

·         Haath Chhute  Bhi Toh Rishte Nahi Chhoda karte ( Marasim 1999)

·         Ek Purana Mausam Lauta Yaad Bhari Purvai Bhi (Marasim 1999)

·         Chitti Na Koi Sandesh (Dushman 1998)

·         Kiska Chehra (Tarkeeb 2000)

·         Koi Fariyaad (Tum Bin 2000)

·         Mai Bhool  Jaaon Tumhe (Album Silsilay 2002)

·         Kabhi Yun Bhi Toh Ho (Album Silsilay 2002)

·         Badi Nazuk (Joggers Park 2003).

With his growing popularity, his fans and the music world bestowed upon him titles like Ghazal Samrat, Ghazal King, Ghazal Maestro, Ghazaljit and so on. His live concerts were very popular because of his connect with the audience with his charm,wit and humour, superb orchestration with a blend of Indian and Western Instruments and those little variations or “harkatein’ he used to bring in his songs while singing live.    

His sudden demise on 10^th October 2011 left a huge vacuum in not just the world of Ghazals but in the hearts of millions of his fans in India and across the world. As a Jagjit Singh fan and admirer, I will always remember that day as an unfortunate one where I lost a loved one, someone who touched my heart and soul through his music.

Kabhi  Sochti  Hoon..…. Ghazalein  Aap Se Thi Ya Aap Ghazal Se. I am sure for me and all your fans, Ghazalein Aap Se Hi Rahegi Hamesha.                

True to his name Jagjit, he conquered our hearts forever. Even today whenever I listen to his songs, his voice brings back nostalgia of the times gone by, a serene silence or a pause that we seem to have lost amidst all the noise and hustle bustle of our fast paced lives.

Today, I fondly remember him with these lines from one of his Ghazals

“Hum Koi Waqt Nahi Hain Humdum,  Jab Bulaaoge Chale Aayenge”

Kaash!!!!! Your Fans are waiting………………….......

Hoshwalon ko khabar  : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEJDoiWrl1E

Tum ko dekha toh yeh khayal : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GRqHkV9Bls

Us mod se shuru karen :  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1pGCFnbLYA

Gham ka khazana : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkoE2kFdWag

Jayashree Nambiar Nair

10^th October 2017