Jagjit Singh: A playlist of best gems by the ghazal maestro

Tuesday marks the sixth death anniversary of ghazal singer Jagjit Singh. From Punjabi hits to tappe, from ghazals to bhajana, he has contributed to various genres of music. Enjoy some of his best numbers.

It has been six years since renowned ghazal singer Jagjit Singh passed away at 70 on October 10, 2011. The memories and musical gems of the ghazal maestro, nonetheless, continue to be the favourite among ghazal lovers.

Born on February 8, 1941 in Sriganganagar (Rajasthan) to a government employee, he had four sisters and two brothers. He was raised as a Sikh by religion. His birth name was Jagmohan but his Sikh father rechristened him Jagjit following the advice of his guru.

With hits like Hontho Se Chhoo Lo Tum, Tum Ko Dekha and Meri Zindagi Kisi Aur Ki Mere Naam Ka Koi Aur Hai, among others, Jagjit Singh made a mark during the ‘70s when the ghazal domain was ruled by names like Mehdi Hasan, Noor Jehan and Begum Akhtar.

The singer was credited with bringing the ghazal to the middle-class, making it more accessible to the masses. He cut more than 40 private albums and sang for innumerable Bollywood films, influencing an entire generation of music lovers. His songs from movies like Arth and Saath Saath are evergreen favourites.

From Punjabi hits to tappe, ghazals and bhajana, Jagjit Singh’s contributed to various genres of music. Enjoy some of his gems:

Meri Zindagi Kisi Aur Ki

Main Nashe Mein Hoon

Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho

Chithi Na Koi Sandes

Apne Honthon Part Sajana Chahta Hoon

Tum Ko Dekha To Yeh Khayal Aaya

Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar

Hamsafar Banke Hum

Mere Dil Mein Tu Hi Tu Hai

Kiska Chehra

Tere Baare Mein Jab

Yaad Nahi Kya Kya Dekha

Shaam Se Aankh Mein

Aah Ko Chahiye Ik Umra

Aaj Maine Apna Fir Sauda Kiya

Ye Jo Zindagi Ki Kitaab Hai

Hazaro Khwahishein Aisi

Kisko Qatil Main Kahoon

Contrary to his image, Jagjit Singh even sang several fast numbers that included Punjabi tappe. Even during his concerts, he often joked in between his ghazals, keeping the crowd lively.

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