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Jagjit Singh Birth Anniversary 2025: Jagjit Singh was more than just a singer, he was a poet of the soul, a magician who turned words into emotions and a legend whose music will never fade.
Jagjit Singh’s velvety voice and timeless compositions have been the soundtrack to love, longing and nostalgia for generations. (File pic)
Jagjit Singh Birth Anniversary 2025: When it comes to soulful ghazals that stir emotions and linger in the heart, Jagjit Singh’s name instantly comes to our minds. His velvety voice and timeless compositions have been the soundtrack to love, longing and nostalgia for generations. Whether it’s the romantic allure of Hothon Se Chhu Lo Tum, the melancholic charm of Tumko Dekha Toh Yeh Khayal Aaya, or the heart-wrenching depth of Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar, his music continues to entertain and impress listeners.
Not just limited to love, his ghazals also resonate with deep reflection and melancholy, songs like Kagaz Ki Kashti, Hazaron Khwahishein Aisi and Apni Marzi Se Kahan evoke profound emotions, making his repertoire truly timeless.
On his birth anniversary today, let’s take a journey through his remarkable life and the milestones that cemented his place as the undisputed Ghazal King.
10 Facts About The Ghazal King’s Musical Journey
- Born as Jagmohan Singh on February 8, 1941, in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, he grew up in a simple household. His father worked as a government official, while his mother was a homemaker.
- He attended Khalsa High School and later pursued higher education at Government College in Rajasthan before enrolling at Kurukshetra University in Haryana. But his true calling lay in music, a passion he nurtured from a young age.
- To refine his craft, Jagjit Singh trained under the guidance of Pandit Chaganlal Sharma and Ustad Jamaal Khan. He mastered Hindustani Classical styles, including Khayal, Dhrupad, and Thumri, which later influenced his unique approach to ghazals.
- His professional journey began with All India Radio in Jalandhar, where he worked on various musical assignments, both singing and composing.
- In 1965, determined to follow his dreams, Jagjit Singh moved to Bombay (now Mumbai) without informing his family. It was a bold move, but his dedication paid off when he landed his first playback singing opportunity for the film Bahuroopi in 1966.
- In 1969, Jagjit Singh married singer Chitra Dutta. Together, they became a formidable duo in the ghazal world. Their album The Unforgettable (1976) introduced fans to classics like “Sarakti Jaye Hai Rukh Se Naqab” and “Baat Niklegi To Phir Door Talak Jayegi”, establishing them as household names.
- The couple faced an unimaginable loss when their only son, Vivek, died in a road accident. Devastated, Chitra Singh chose to step away from music permanently. Jagjit Singh took a break but eventually returned, channelling his pain into music that touched even deeper emotional chords.
- After a year-long hiatus, he released solo albums Mirage (1996) and Silsilay (1998), both of which were met with critical acclaim. He also continued to mesmerise audiences worldwide with live concerts and playback singing.
- In recognition of his unparalleled contribution to Indian music, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in 2003. The government of Rajasthan posthumously bestowed upon him the Rajasthan Ratna in 2012.
- The world lost this musical legend on October 10, 2011, when he passed away at the age of 70 reportedly due to a brain haemorrhage. His voice, however, lives on, immortalised in the melodies that continue to move hearts.
5 Timeless Ghazals That Define His Legacy
- Hothon Se Chhu Lo Tum: Featured in the 1981 film Prem Geet, this romantic ghazal remains one of his most iconic songs. Picturized on Raj Babbar, it continues to be a staple at ghazal gatherings, evoking love and longing with every note.
- Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho: A masterpiece from the 1982 film Arth, this ghazal, penned by Kaifi Azmi, beautifully captures the pain of someone hiding their sorrow behind a smile. It was picturised on Shabana Azmi and Raj Kiran, making it even more poignant.
- Tumko Dekha To Yeh Khayal Aaya: Sung by Jagjit Singh and Chitra Singh for the 1982 film Saath Saath, this ghazal, with lyrics by Javed Akhtar, remains a favourite among romantics. Featuring Farooq Shaikh and Deepti Naval, its lyrics still strike a chord with listeners today.
- Woh Kaghaz Ki Kashti: This deeply nostalgic track, composed by Jagjit Singh and penned by Sudarshan Faakir, takes listeners on a journey back to childhood, reminiscing about lost innocence and simpler times.
- Chithi Na Koi Sandesh: A hauntingly beautiful piece from the album Hothon Se Chhu Lo Tum, this ghazal expresses the pain of longing for a loved one who has vanished without a trace. Its raw emotions continue to resonate with those who have experienced loss.
Jagjit Singh was more than just a singer, he was a poet of the soul, a magician who turned words into emotions and a legend whose music will never fade. His ghazals remain an integral part of India’s musical heritage, offering solace, reflection and an enduring sense of connection.
Even today, whether it’s a quiet evening with a cup of tea or a moment of introspection, his melodies continue to provide the perfect soundtrack to life’s emotions.
