Ahmedabad, 10 October, 2011

India’s very popular legendary ghazal king Shri Jagjit Singh(70) is no more. He passed away today morning at Lilavati hospital where he was admitted for last some days after brain hemorrhage.

Shri Jagjit Singh had special relation with Gujarat. Few people know that Jagjit Singh got his first break with a Gujarati Bhajan in ‘Bahuroopi’ movie, way back in 1966.

Jagjit Singh gave his voice in Shyamal Saumil Munshi’s album Hastakshar’s title song.

In fact Jagjit had one full album of Gujarati songs to his credit. Big Music had launched his first Gujarati ghazal album ‘Jeevan Marann Chhe Ek’ with 8 melodious tracks. The lyrics of the album are by the eminent Gujarati poet, Abbas Vasi “Mareez”. The ghazals were composed and sung by Jagjit Singh for this album.

In 2001 in a public function under the title ‘My life my story’ in Mumbai, Jagjit Singh in his speech said ‘when I was struggling, one Gujarati bhai had given me his hand.’ Emotional Jagjit Singh then shouted, ‘Where are you Ajitbhai?’ Gujarati composer Ajitbhai Merchant was sitting on the back side in audience. Jagjit Singh again shouted ‘Where are you Ajitbhai?’ When Ajitbhai raised his hand, Jagjit Singh came down from the stage and took Ajitbhai over tht stage. He hugged Ajitbhai. Both Ajitbhai and Jagjit Singh had tears in their eyes. Singh had specially invited Ajitbhai to ‘My life my story’ function that was held in Mumbai. He later sung Ajitbhai’s song in his Ghazal album which is presented above in video.Ajitbhai’s four decades old ghazal composition ‘Raat Khamosh Hai’ was sung by Jagjit Singh in his album Muntazir.

Jagjit Singh had chosen Amdavad for his first attempt of Ghazal symphony with 30 artists. In a press conference at Rajpath club before the programme he had said that it was his first attempt of handling 30 artists in his singing career spanning over 45 years.

Padma Bhushan awardee Singh told reporters, “Why Ahmedabad has been chosen for this unique event is because I feel that people here appreciate good music, and it is safe here.” “Gujarat is a disciplined state under the Modi government,” he added at that time.

Reacting to the news of maestro’s death Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter:RIPjagjitsingh He was to be here with us a few days back but could not, due to his ill-health. So sad! Gujarat has lost a wellwisher in him.

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