Jagjit Singh

I was in my early 20’s when a Hindi serial called ‘Sailaab’ aired on Indian television. It was a story of 2 people in love who could not get married to each other due to circumstances. Years later, they meet again….both are now married to someone else….both love their respective spouses….and yet, when they meet again, they realize that they still deeply care for and love each other….so they start secretly meeting again and develop a platonic relationship. The serial beautifully explored complex human emotions, feelings and relationships from the perspective of all 4 people involved…the man and the woman and their respective spouses. The serial went on to become quite popular. I loved watching the serial too and I loved its title track ‘Apni marzi se kahan apne safar ke hum hain ….rukh hawaaon ka jidhar ka hai udhar ke hum hain’….(Translated: Where are we in this (life’s) journey of our own free will….wherever the winds take us that is where we travel). The profound title track was soothingly rendered by a voice that tugged at my heart and that introduced me to a world I had been oblivious of….the wonderful world of ghazals. ….and that voice belonged to ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh.

As I eagerly embarked on exploring the world of ghazals, I realized that the very same voice had sung many of my favorite Hindi movie songs….songs which I held close to my heart…songs which I heard and hummed ever so often…..be it ‘Hothon se chu lo tum’ or ‘Tum itna jo muskura rahe ho’ or ‘Tumko dekha to ye khayaal aaya’. Over the years, especially with the privilege of having the Internet at my fingertips, I have been able to listen to and be touched by many of Jagjit Singh’s ghazals. His soothing voice has been my companion when I am working or cooking or relaxing and definitely when I have been low and down….I have always found myself turning to his voice for comfort.

I woke up this morning to learn that he had passed away. I feel a deep sense of loss…..a sadness….one that you feel when a close friend is gone. Jagjitji, I never saw you in person but you have touched my life and even though you will never sing again, your voice lives on in my heart and in the hearts of countless others who are mourning your loss today. Thank you for giving us the gift of ghazals.

Signing off listening to one of my favorite ghazals by Jagjit Singh.

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiiI5_HYzxs)

Tere baare mein jab socha nahin tha..... main tanhaa tha magar itna nahin tha

Teri tasvir se karta tha baaten.......mere kamre mein aaina nahin tha

Samandar ne mujhe pyaasa hi rakhaa......main jab seharaa mein tha pyaasa nahin tha

Manaane-ruthne ke khel mein hum.....bichhad jaayenge ye socha nahin tha

Suna hai band kar li us ne aankhen...... kai raaton se vo soya nahin tha.