Jagjit Singh - Biography & Information about Jagjit Singh

Jagjit Singh (Punjabi: ਜਗਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ, Hindi: जगजीत सिंह, Urdu: جگجیت سنگھ) (February 8, 1941 - ) is an Indian ghazal singer. He sings in Punjabi, Hindi-Urdu languages. The Ghazal King, Jagjit Singh is undoubtedly one of the most well known Ghazal Singer in the world today.

Jagjit Singh was born in Ganganagar, Rajasthan. His father Sardar Amar Singh Dhiman, employed with the Government of India, hailed from Dalla village in Ropar district of Punjab and his mother Bachchan Kaur came from a deeply religious Sikh family of Ottallan village near Samrala. His siblings include four sisters and two brothers and he is fondly called Jeet by his family members. Although his late father wanted him to become a bureaucrat by joining the Indian Administrative Service, he was later reported to be happy with his son's achievements in the world of music. Jagjit Singh went to Khalsa High School at Ganganagar. He studied Sciences during (after matriculation) from Government College, Ganganagar and went for graduation to DAV College, Jalandhar in arts stream. He also acquired a post-graduate degree in history from Kurukshetra University, Haryana.

Jagjit Singh a legendary name in the field of Ghazal Singing is indisputably one of the most talented artists of India. This name has been ringing in the ears of millions of music lovers for many years. He is very versatile artist who can fill your heart with his meaningful and melodious song in any language of the world.

Jagjit Singh, one of the most talented artists of India, has with his beautiful and equally talented wife Chitra Singh made history in the world of music. Born on 8th February 1941 in Shriganganagar in Rajasthan, he trained under Ustad Jamal Khan of the Senia Gharana. After graduation he came to Mumbai to try his fortunes in the music business. The first full-fledged Ghazal album by the husband-wife team was "The Unforgettables" in 1976. This album set new sales records and has been followed by numerous ghazals as well as devotional & religious albums, all of which have become classics.

Jagjit Singh's ghazals brings out the emotional side of ghazal and poetry lovers. His ghazals do a wonderful job in delivering tranquility (where "mai-khana" is involved), passion, serenity, pain ("sweet pain" in love), deepness, grief, love and a reminder of one's own personal past. His voice, a true gift of God has the pain that an "ashiq" feels after loosing his beloved, the love that a mother seeks for her child, the tranquility that a "saaqi" delivers, the strange fear in a boy when she walks in the room. His deep voice holds the key to perhaps every emotion locked within oneself.

As the pioneer of non-film music wave Jagjit & Chitra have been greatly instrumental in popularizing Ghazals. They have also created the music and songs for various films and even TV serials. Jagjit & Chitra have their fans spread out not only in India but all over the world. The response to their performances in concerts has been tremendous. Their ability to establish a rapport with their audience makes the evening a memorable experience. Looking for new talents and promoting them has been Jagjit Singh's constant endeavor. Artists such as Kumar Sanu, Talat Aziz, Ghanshyam Vaswani, Vinod Sehgal, Ashok Khosla and Siza Roy are his contribution to the field of music. Succession awards have been conferred upon him from several state governments and music associations. Their enchanting ghazals use the choicest poetry by renowned lyricists like Mirza Ghalib, Ameer Meenai, Kafeel Aazer, Sudarshan Faakir and Nida Fazli. The lyrics which stir an emotive appeal are given mood and life by Jagjit and Chitra Singh. Songs like "Sarakti Jaye Hai Rukh se Naqab Aahista Aahista", "Aah Ko Chahiye", "Baat Nicklegi To Door Talak Jayegi" and "Woh Kagaz Ki Kashti" are some of his best songs.

Jagjit Singh is accredited with bringing the ghazal genre, which was previously restricted to the elite classes, to the masses. His music direction can be seen to be pioneering in changing the sound layout by adding more Western instruments while mostly retaining the traditional orchestra (which includes a tabla, and harmonium, and a couple of string instruments)

In 2003, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second highest civilian honour from the Government of India. In 2006, he was awarded the Teacher's Achievement Award. Jagjit Singh lives in Cumballa Hills, Mumbai.

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User Comments

maheshvnerlekar@yahoo.com on Mon, Aug 6th, 2007 at 6:46 AM

Its great to read about a Ghazal king. I am too deeply involved into his Ghazals. His gazals bring a different type of feeling. you will never find a voice like his nor in the past present and future. Kindly include the charity works he has done and also the ups and downs in his life.

syalshalini@yahoo.ca on Sun, Sep 2nd, 2007 at 10:44 AM

It was great to read about Jagjit Singh. I am listening to his gazals since I was in india. All his songs touch my heart deeply.

r.rajat.a@gmail.com on Mon, Mar 30th, 2009 at 2:20 AM

Jagjit Singh, the Ghazal King has deeply touched my soul & heart through his ghazals. He explains reality of life, love, spirituality and emotions in his ghazals. He has such a beautiful voice that can touch anybodyâ€™s heart.

priyagupta253@rediffmail.com on Mon, Mar 30th, 2009 at 2:23 AM

Jagjit Ji, there is no doubt that you are really the ghazal king. I wish Saraswati Mata always bestow her grace on you & you will always keep on singing beautiful ghazals.