Ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh passes away at 70

Singer celebrated his final birthday in Dubai with a concert

AP and Staff

Published Monday, October 10, 2011

This file image taken on September 12, 2010 shows Indian musician and composer Jagjit Singh in Mumbai. Singh, who won generations of fans by reviving the traditional genre of "ghazal" tunes, died on Monday in Mumbai at the age of 70, hospital officials said. (AFP)

Doctors say prominent Indian singer Jagjit Singh has died after several weeks in the hospital following a brain hemorrhage. He was 70.

Singh was one of the most popular singers of the ghazal, usually Urdu or Persian poetry set to music. He sang to packed audiences across South Asia and released dozens of albums during his 40 year career. He also sang ghazals for Hindi films.

Singh was admitted to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital on September 23. A hospital spokesman said Singh suffered another hemorrhage Monday morning and died.

Jagjit Singh at Dubai concert on February 18, 2011

Who would have thought that when Jagjit Singh sang "Main Sattar kaa hoon" (I am 70) in his ethereal voice at Dubai's World Trade Centre on February 18, it would be his final concert in the emirate.

The Ghazal King, as Jagjit Singh was populary known as, was in Dubai on February 18, along with Gulzar for the concert "Koi Baat Chale". It was a groundbreaking concert that showcased the true essence of the art form - ghazal.

Singh performed for about five hours on that magical evening. It was indeed an honour to listen to him perform live for so long at a time and age when most other young artists only sing a few songs during live shows. The mastro's performance will be etched in the memory of those who were fortunate to listen to him.

Jagjit Singh has left a void that will be imopssible to fill.

Gulzar, who worked closely with Jagjit Singh on the famous Indian television series "Mirza Ghalib" posted on his Facebook wall: "Shaam se Aankh me Nami Si Hai.... Aaj Phir Aapki Kami Si Hai! Jagjit Singh... Rest in Peace!"

Jagjit Singh is survived by his wife Chitra Singh. Their only son Vivek Singh passed away in a road accident in 1990. The couple released an album titled 'Someone Somewhere' in memory of their son.

Jagjit Singh gained popularity together with his wife, another renowned Indian Ghazal singer Chitra Singh, in the 1970s and 1980s, as the first ever successful duo act (husband-wife) in the history of recorded Indian music.

The couple are considered to be the pioneers of contemporary Ghazal singing and regarded as most successful artistes outside the realm of Indian film music. Singh has sung in Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Gujarati, Sindhi and Nepali languages.

He was awarded India's third highest civilian honour, the Padma Bhushan, in 2003.

Bollywood mourns Jagjit Singh's passing

The social networking sites are overflowing with reactions and condolence messages as the news of Ghazal King Jagjit Singh's death spreads.

Here are a few select messages from celebrities who took to Twitter to express their loss.

@AzmiShabana: Kisi ki nazar lag gayi hai kala ki duniya ko..jagjit singh no more. His contribution to the ghazal in India is unparallelled.big loss

@Shreyaghoshal: Jagjit Ji passes away. One of the saddest days for all us music lovers. The golden voice will not song anymore. Rest in peace.

@MaheshNBhatt: Just heard from NDTV that Jagjit Singh has passed away!

@Sophie_Choudry: This cannot be true. His voice moved ppl to tears & so will this news. A true gift to music. Am absolutely devastated. R.I.P Jagjit Singh

@neeta_lulla: Respects to Jagjit Singh ji one of our most wonderful gazal singer he touched our hearts and lives with beautiful songs we will miss him.

@taran_adarsh: Jagjit Singh. RIP.

@SushmaSwarajBJP: Ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh is no more. His songs were part of our lives. It is a terrible loss

Also Read:
Music world mourns Jagjit Singh’s death

Comments

dulal bhowmick 8 February 2013 15:39 0 0

ton of salute to the singer who is always in our heart and be untill my last breath

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Pradeep Misra 15 April 2012 19:28 0 0

Jagjit Sahabh has taught ghazals to the youth in 1970's. I'll term him as father of ghazals.

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Amarjit Singhrao 19 November 2011 00:22 0 0

God Bless you Jagjit Singh, not only the King of Ghazels but also a KING IN GENERAL. I have never cried so much, not even when my mother passed away. Well done for all the hard work and pleasure you gave to the world as a musician. God Bless and your soul in peace. Your memory will stay on.

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sushil pati tiwari 12 November 2011 12:24 0 0

I don't forget you and you always stay in my heart.

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Rupa 19 October 2011 16:28 0 0

You, your ghazals and songs will always remain in our heart.

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G Munde 16 October 2011 07:02 0 0

His music is sweet and social and very peaceful. His death has made me very sad. May he rest in peace.

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Raju Sharma 13 October 2011 17:21 0 0

This is a huge loss to INDIAN MUSIC Industry. He was the inspiration of upcoming stars of India. But his singing and memories will never die. He will be in the heart of everyone with great memories.

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Rajaram Segaram 12 October 2011 18:12 0 0

Jagjit Singh is a precious gift from the Lord. May his soul rest in peace in the Kingdom of Vaikunta and let the celestial beings lulled by his melodious voice.

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Rajaram Segaram 12 October 2011 17:55 0 0

May Lord bless the Mahatama's soul who lulled us with his divine voice. Haripol! Malaysia, Port Klang.

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Farouk Datoo 12 October 2011 08:18 0 0

I am heavily grieved at the death of Great King of Ghazals. I pray to Great Lord that He may rest the departed soul in eternal peace. Ameen! Farouk Datoo.

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Payal Sinha 12 October 2011 02:48 0 0

We have lost a huge voice, uncomparable. It's so sad that we cannot hear him anymore. For music lovers it's a sad day:(

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Dr.S.Radhakrishna 11 October 2011 23:50 0 0

It was the Nawab of Pataudi first,Now it is the Nawab of Gazals. Jagjit Singh a great loss to music lovers.

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Dilbagh 11 October 2011 23:14 0 0

So shocked to hear this sudden news of your departure so early! You were so brave and tall even after your son's departure, you kept it on!! Millions salutes and deep respects to you, Sir!! Will always miss you!!

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nazer sulaiman 11 October 2011 22:09 0 0

we have missed him for ever, but his voice will follow us ever, let the almighty give him peace and blessings on his prese nt world!

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PRAMOD GANORKAR 11 October 2011 20:53 0 0

NOBODY CAN FILL THE VACCUM

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Atul Sharma 11 October 2011 19:52 0 0

We all miss you sir. I think that no one can sing like him... I will really miss you a lot.

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Jatinder Raturi 11 October 2011 19:39 0 0

I am 29 years old and have been listening his ghazals from 9th class every evening.

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Pankaj Chordia 11 October 2011 19:20 0 0

May this great soul rest in peace. I love all his songs and particulary devotional songs and songs which make us cry. He is immortal.

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Neetu Agarwal 11 October 2011 18:53 0 0

We'll miss you.

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Mahesh Adhikari 11 October 2011 18:47 0 0

We all miss you sir...

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