Jagjit Singh, the ghazal maestro who created a rage among music lovers back in the 70s and 80s continues to be synonymous with ghazals even for the younger generation.
It is his 78th birth anniversary and it has been more than 7 years that he bid us all a goodbye. But for his fans, he is never further than his songs.
Jagjit Singh began his professional career in 1961 by undertaking singing and composing assignments at All India Radio’s (AIR) Jallandhar station.
Jagjit Singh, fondly known as ‘King of the Ghazals’, is credited for the revival and popularity of ghazal, an Indian classical art form, by choosing poetry that was relevant to the masses and composing them in a way that laid more emphasis on the meaning of words and melody evoked by them.
Not from a well-off family, as a child Jagjit Singh used to study by the light of lanterns, due to lack of electricity in the house. In an interview, Singh had stated that they even lacked the facility of running water.
He is the only composer and singer to have composed and recorded songs written by former Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee – also a poet -in two albums, Nayi Disha (1999) and Samvedna (2002).
On his birth anniversary, let’s take a look at some of his evergreen classics that’ll live on former!
Hoshwalon Ko Khabar Kya (Sarfarosh)
Tumko Dekha Toh Khayal Aya (Saath Saath)
Koi Fariyaad (Tum Bin)
Shaam Se Aankh Mein Nami Si Hai
