Renowned ghazal singer Jagjit Singh, the one of the silken voice, had a deep emotional connection with the Doon valley and loved to come here for concerts. In fact, it was in Dehradun that he was performing at a festival organised by an educational institution till a day before he passed away on October 10, 2011 at the age of 70.He was born on February 8, 1941.

Famous bhajan singer Anoop Jalota and Jagjit Singh were in Dehradun that October(2011) and performed here at that festival. Jalota said in a TV interview that they both enjoyed themselves greatly and it was a perfect time in all ways. When they went back to Mumbai, Jagjit Singh was hospitalised and soon passed away.Was this his way of saying a final farewell to the Doon valleyIJ

Another very popular concert he performed at was at the Indian Military Academy a few years before that. That was the time that I met and spoke to this great singer, this legend of music.

Ever since my school days, I had been listening to Jagjit-Chitra. Their album “The Unforgettables” was a great favourite with all those who loved to hear ghazals. It has a timeless quality which makes it sound fresh and magical even today.

During the IMA concert, Jagjit Singh was staying at Hotel Madhuban in the Doon valley.  My book of Urdu poetry “Jashn-e-Tanhai” had been published recently. When I heard that Jagjit Singh was coming to the valley for a concert, I decided I would try my best to meet him, even if it was for a few moments.

 As luck would have it, one of the bureaucrats here mentioned that the person who was accompanying the singer was an old friend of his from university days. He promised me that he would help me meet Jagjit Singh. I could not believe this. Could my wish of many years be fulfilled so easilyIJ  He proved true to his word and an hour before the concert, I reached the hotel where Singh and his friend were putting up. I was granted an interview for twenty minutes. I was carrying a copy of my book of ghazals to be presented to the Ghazal King. It was a great moment which will live forever in my heart. Nervous I was. And actually had butterflies in my stomach! It is not everyday that one’s dreams come true.

It was as if I was in a trance. As I entered the room, I saw the legendary singer, wearing a black kurta, a white churidar and an off-white shawl, looking as elegant as he always did. He was reading the local newspaper and chatting with his friend. I told him a little about myself. After that he talked about some of his favourite poets and ghazals. He also expressed his great love for the old Hindi film songs of Rafi, Mukesh, Hemant Kumar and Talat Mehmood.  He said he was very fond of the Doon valley.

He spoke of this and that and I kept listening with (I am sure) a look of awe on my face. I remember that with great hesitation, I presented him my book which he leafed through and read a few lines aloud. I felt at that moment that my book had met with great success.If my words were being read out in this liquid gold voice, they did not need anything else to become worthwhile.  It was indeed a golden moment for me.

The meeting came to an end but not before  Jagjit ji , on my request, sang a couple of “shers” of  “Shaam se aankh mein nami si hai ;aaj phir aap ki kami si hai” .Without the harmonium , without any accompaniment . The pure silken voice without any distraction…hearing it was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. I left , feeling enriched and happy .

The voice which captured countless hearts left us some years ago. However, it stays with us and will do so forever. Such people and such voices never fade away.They are part of a divinity which is eternal and infinite. Whenever I sit down to listen to Jagjit  Singh’s ghazals, the memory of that beautiful October evening in the Doon valley comes back to my heart, taking me back to the magic of having been part of  the consciousness of the great artiste, even though for a few minutes.

 His was a melodious world. A soft existence where poetry and sweetness ruled. Music was composed effortlessly by him as it was part of his inner being. His smiling eyes and simplicity remain a lovely memory.

All his fans will vouch for this that one can hear the goodness of his soul in his singing.  His is a benevolent voice. And divine. Happy Birthday , Jagjit Singh ji!  Aaj phir aapki kami si hai.