It’s the 12th death anniversary of the legendary ghazal singer Jagjit Singh, fondly remembered as the Ghazal King. His mellifluous voice and soul-stirring renditions helped ghazals find their way into the hearts of millions, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music. Singh’s life was filled with many such heartwarming anecdotes, one of which unfolds during a flight from Karachi to Delhi on a Pakistan International Airlines flight.
Passengers on the plane soon discovered that Jagjit Singh was among them and, in awe of his talent, couldn’t resist making a special request. They implored him to recite one of his ghazals, and Singh graciously acquiesced. What followed was a mid-air serenade, as the maestro regaled his fellow passengers with the magic of his voice. Even the pilot, captivated by the ethereal performance, extended the flight’s duration by half an hour to savour The Ghazal King’s melodies.
Born on February 8, 1941, in British India’s Bikaner State (now Rajasthan), Jagjit Singh rose to musical prominence through his collaboration with his partner and wife, Chitra. Their album The Unforgettable, released in 1977, captivated listeners far and wide. Singh was known for his ability to infuse simplicity into his songs, both in lyrics and melody, making them accessible to a wider audience. He once explained that he intentionally crafted uncomplicated tunes and lyrics, which he later adapted into the ghazal form, aiming to make the genre more approachable.
Among Jagjit Singh’s extensive repertoire, some of his most famous songs include Chithi Na Koi Sandesh and Hothon Se Chhu Lo Tum. Yet, one of his songs, Chithi Na Koi Sandesh, bears a particularly poignant story.
This song’s backstory parallels Jagjit Singh’s own life, marked by tragedy. The artist suffered the devastating loss of his only son, Vivek, in a tragic car accident. During a live performance, actress Anju Mahendru made a heartfelt request for Jagjit Singh to sing Dard Se Mera Daaman Bhar De, a ghazal that touches upon the theme of pain and sorrow. Although initially hesitant due to the emotional weight of the song, he couldn’t decline the request and performed it. Reportedly, as he sang, the artist became visibly emotional, deeply moved by the lyrics and their resonance with his own life experiences. As the program concluded, the audience learned about the heart-wrenching news of Jagjit Singh’s son’s untimely passing.
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