08 Feb 2024 - MGOL - Jagjit Singh - Birth Anniversary

Remembering an important Guru of my life – both musically and professionally on his Birth Anniversary today – 08 February.

Father of the Modern Indian Ghazal – Singer/Composer/Stage Performer/Arranger/Producer – Jagjit Singh. Born as Jagmohan Singh Dhiman later went on with the name Jagjit Singh Dhiman better known as Jagjit Singh. He is also known as the King of Ghazals, Ghazal King or Gazaljit Singh (b. 08 February 1941 d. 10 October 2011)

 

Some of the highlights of his era 1976 - 2011 can be seen as follows

1. He was singlehandedly instrumental in bringing about a paradigm shift of the traditional semi classical based composing and presentation format of Ghazal to a very modern simple composing and singing style where words attained paramount importance.

2. The Orchestration of a Ghazal – traditionally restricted to a typical Harmonium + Tabla + Sarangi setup was changed and developed to a modern - 12 string Guitar, Base Guitar, Violin, Santoor, Synthesizer and other electronic instruments, Flute along with Dholak and other Side Rhythm Percussion instruments in presentations and albums all with multi track sound recordings.

3.  A continuous quest to improve all things related to his creations and presentation. Just see his time line from 1976 until 2011 and see and hear the quality graph go northward steadily because of this passion for innovation and excellence.

4. The Ghazal Mehfil became a Ghazal Concert.

5. The poetry selection in Ghazal diversified from a typical romantic based focus to various aspects of life like Philosophy, Realities of life, Spirituality, Politics and even Humour in Ghazals – all credit goes to Jagjit Singh.

6. Ghazal audience increased in approach from the traditional Mehfil and Mushaira right into the Living Room of people’s homes.

7. Ghazal – heard sometimes in Films apart from the regular Live Mehfil was actively used in compositions of TV Serial title songs along with a full fledged  and ever expanding market of Non Film based Album creations.

8. Indian Ghazal reached every corner of the world – All thanks to Jagjit Singh.

9. Jagjit Singh – along with Ghazals also created a separate niche in Devotional Music in his unique style of composing and rendition.

10. A man far ahead of his times, Jagjit Singh created a new School of Thought about this form of poetry and overall approach to music which took it effectively into the 21^st century.

I am greatly influence by this Legend in various aspects like selection of songs for singing and composing, a simple stage presentation format, singing delivery, innovation and experimentation without fear, presentation quality on stage and creating a brand – different from run of the mill – all facets learnt and followed sincerely as a student of the Jagjit Singh School of Thought about Music! Mhaaro Prannaam!

The young Jagjit....trying to create a place for himself amongst a galaxy of living Legends like Talat Mahmood, Hemant Kumar, Mohd. Rafi, Mukesh, Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey – all at the peak on his arrival in Mumbai in 1960s.

His identity of cutting his hair and recreating a new face 1976.

His team with wife and fellow composer and stage performer Chitra Singh – enthralled the audience all over the world

The album that earned him the name – Father of Modern Indian Ghazal – The Unforgettables 1977

A Composer and Arranger always yearning for something different and new

His favourite place in the world – The stage with audience in the front

The King of Ghazal on the move

Awarded with Padma Bhushan - 3rd Highest Civilian Award by Government of India

Padma Bhushan Jagjit Singh Chowk (Square) at Bandra - Mumbai

A Musical Tribute - Some of my favourites - The selection was a daunting task from a huge list of probables!

Ab Main Rashan Ki Qataron Mein Nazar Aata Hoon - Shayar - Khaleel Dhantejvi - Cry for Cry 1995

Baazeecha - E - Atfal Hain Duniya Mere Aage - Shayar - Mirza Ghalib - Originally from the TV Serial Mirza Ghalib 1988

Tum Meri Rakho Laaj Hari - Bhajan - Sant Soordas - At Iskcon, Mumbai 1994

My Humble Tribute - Following the footsteps of his School of Thought about music including concert presentation. This is an audio recording of a Live Concert in Pune in 2016. This is a Pre Vocal Sonata era recording with a team of musician on stage. A before and after story of a relation in life - I mixed up two of Jagjit's creations..One written by Rajindar Nath Rehbar and other by Kaifi Azmi and made them into one - just as he would have emphasized the importance of lyrics and its meaning. The entire orchestra is played here Live by 5 musicians including me on the Piano and also singing.

- Dr. Salil Latay

Pune, India

08 February 2024, Thursday

First published in 2022...now a re run.

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