Jagjit Singh

Biography:

Jagjit Singh, born Jagmohan Singh Dhiman, on February 8, 1941, was a highly revered Indian composer, singer, and musician known for his contributions to ghazal, an Indian classical art form. He played a pivotal role in reviving and popularizing ghazals, infusing them with themes that resonated with the masses. His approach emphasized the meaning of words and the melody evoked by them, earning him acclaim as the most successful ghazal singer and composer.

Singh’s career spanned five decades, during which he composed and sang in multiple languages. He’s renowned for his work in films like “Prem Geet” (1981), “Arth” (1982), and “Saath Saath” (1982) as well as TV serials such as “Mirza Ghalib” (1988) and “Kahkashan” (1991). His music was a blend of classical Indian styles, and he became synonymous with the Bol-pradhan style, emphasizing the importance of words in his compositions.

An influential figure in Indian music, Singh’s 1987 album, “Beyond Time,” was India’s first digitally recorded release. He used his platform to voice concerns about the politicization of arts and culture in India and championed support for traditional art forms and folk artists. Singh was a dedicated philanthropist, supporting causes such as education, healthcare, and children’s welfare.