Jagjit Singh

Born Jagmohan Singh Dhiman on 8 February 1941 in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, Jagjit Singh was raised in a Sikh Punjabi household. Though his father hoped he'd pursue engineering or a bureaucratic career, Jagjit’s passion lay in music. He earned his degree in arts from DAV College, Jalandhar, and a master's in history from Kurukshetra University, all while training in classical forms such as khayal, thumri, and dhrupad under masters like Pandit Chagan Lal Sharma and Ustad Jamal Khan. His musical journey began at All India Radio’s Jalandhar station in the early 1960s, where he sang and composed for broadcasts. In 1965, he moved to Bombay, initially singing jingles, before blossoming into a playback singer and ghazal maestro. His signature musical style married emotional depth with clarity, elevating ghazal from its elite classical roots into the realm of popular music. Known for his velvety voice and heartfelt delivery, he embraced simple yet stirring arrangements—often blending Western instruments like saxophone and guitar with Indian classical rhythm—to foreground lyrical beauty without sacrificing emotional intensity. This approach made ghazals accessible to listeners of all backgrounds and ages, transforming its reach. Jagjit Singh’s rise to fame came with the 1977 album “The Unforgettable,” recorded with his wife, Chitra Singh. The album’s mix of solo and duet performances became a benchmark in Indian popular and ghazal music. He followed with duets like “Live in Concert at Wembley” and solo works such as “Ecstasies.” His contributions in cinema included soulful numbers in films like Arth (“Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho”), Saath Saath (“Tum Ko Dekha To Ye Khayal Aaya”), and Prem Geet (“Hothon Se Chhu Lo Tum”), among others. In 1991, he collaborated with Lata Mangeshkar on the album “Sajda,” a poignant double-album project released shortly after the tragic loss of his son. Jagjit Singh received India’s Padma Bhushan in 2003 in recognition of his contributions. He continued recording albums, performing, and shaping the ghazal genre until his death in Mumbai on 10 October 2011. His legacy endures — he is remembered not just for his vast discography spanning over 50 albums and numerous film songs, but for his influence in democratizing the ghazal, making it beloved by generations beyond classical aficionados. In homes, concert halls, and especially in Calcutta Records’ collections, his voice remains an enduring solace.