Tribute to Jagjit Singh

Monday morning dawned with the shocking news for the fans of ghazal: The "King of Ghazal", Jagjit Singh is no more with us.

Jagjit Singh passed away early on Monday morning, October 10th 2011 at 8:10am after undergoing a surgery for the treatment of brain hemorrhage. His death is a great blow to the Bollywood music industry, especially to the world of ghazal and it is no doubt a loss that can never be filled. A month prior to his death, Jagjit Singh went through brain hemorrhage and was operated at the "Lilavati Hospital" on September 23rd 2011. Before that, the ghazal legend performed at "Nehru Science Center" on September 16th in front of ardent ghazal fans. Jagjit Singh performed his last show at "Siri Fort Auditorium" in New Delhi on September 17th 2011. A large number of fans attended the concert, like they always have, to watch their ghazal hero perform live.

The Ghazal King Jagjit Singh's passing away has left the Bollywood and ghazal lovers mourning all across the globe. Jagjit Singh's contributions to the ghazal world will never be forgotten. Some of his most popular ghazals include; "Meri Zindagi Kisi Aur Ki", "Pata Pata, Boota Boota Haal Humara Janay Hai", Hosh Walon Ko Khabar" and "Woh Jo Hum Mein Tum Mein Karaar Tha". The legend whose death has left the fans shocked and mourning was no doubt a great influence on the Indian music industry. Jagjit Singh was born in Rajasthan in 1941. He found mainstream fame together with his wife Chitra Singh during 70's and 80's.

Jagjit Singh's soulful voice kept his fans spell bound. During one of his live events the electricity went off in between the performance, but as the microphone was battery operated, Jagjit Singh continued with his live performance. It was witnessed that not a leaf stirred and the 4000 fans sat enchanted by the magic of his voice without even noticing the failure of electricity.

After hearing the news of Jagjit Singh's death, internet filled with newly created forums and pages to pay tribute to Jagjit Singh. The Bollywood stars have been recording their tributes online and on television as well. Actress Celina Jaitly mentioned that the world of ghazal has lost its "maestro", while Anupan Kher, the famous Indian actor mentioned that it is more of a personal loss.

Jagjit Singh has made numerous contributions not only for the Indian music industry but also for the ghazal genre across the border. He was awarded with Padma Bushan by the Indian government in 2003, which is one of the biggest civilian honors. He was also given Teachers Achievement Award in 2006. His ghazals have been recorded in Urdu, Hindi, Nepali and Punjabi. Before his death, Jagjit Singh struggled with fatal brain hemorrhage and fought it for weeks. Even during his illness he managed to entertain his fans at two occasions till the death finally took the soul of Ghazal world away. Jagjit Singh's passing away has left a big hole in the Indian music industry which can never be filled.