For many long years, I had been a great fan and keen admirer of the voice loved by millions all over the world. like so many other people, I could not escape the magic of this silken voice. Yes, I am talking about the famous ghazal singer, the uncrowned king of ghazal singing — the inimitable Jagjit Singh. It had been a long nurtured wish to meet him and talk to him. However, I never thought that this wish could be fulfilled. Ever since my schooldays, 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. Jagjit Singh did visit the Doon Valley a few times. In fact, he was here for a show just before he passed away. It was, however, around 10 years ago that it became possible for me to meet this amazing singer. 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 20 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 dream 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 Mahmood. 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 Singh, 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 takes me back to the magic of having been part of the
consciousness of the great artiste. 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. His is a benevolent voice. And divine.