Unforgettable song of life

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My husband, late Jagjit Singh came from Punjab to Mumbai (then Bombay) in the mid-1960s. He was a complete newcomer to the city and had to start from scratch, like most musicians then did. Even though he was blessed with immense talent, he would have to make several rounds to the offices of popular music composers like Khayyam, Madan Mohan and many others, who ruled the roost back in the day.

Since his style was so distinct and his songs self-composed, it was difficult for most music composers to slot his voice for a particular actor. They loved his voice, but didn’t know how to use it. And as he grew older, his voice was impossible to match that of any actor. But that never deterred Jagjitji. He branched out on his own and developed his distinct style of shows and renditions of ghazals.
Though he was a great singer, I admired him most for his conviction and perseverance. He was never dejected or disheartened due to a rejection. He always had another concept working at the back of his mind.
1975 was a turning point in our lives — when he launched his first music album Unforgettables. It remains the most special one till date. Yes, he had his share of hurdles and he overcame them, but I don’t think it’s fair to call his life a struggle. He believed that as an artiste, one should be prepared for all sorts of challenges. In his bid to create a niche for himself, he changed the way ghazals are perceived in this country. For him, ghazals were a way of expressing one’s sentiments. He couldn’t relate to Western music like jazz that was thriving during the same time. He loved to stick to the more familiar territories of Indian music.
His name is synonymous with ghazals and he has mentored and honed dozens of artistes. Since his demise, I have been involved in various musical activities and initiatives in an attempt to keep his rich musical legacy alive. On the eve of his birth anniversary, we started a talent hunt that brings together gifted musicians from across the country on one common platform.
About me singing, I can’t say much. It’s been 23 years since I gave it up. Besides, it’s not something you can switch off and on. Being a Bengali, I grew up listening to classics by Talat Mehmood and Mehdi Hassan, so music runs in my veins. But I have been away from it for far too long to get back to it. I have hummed all these years, but never really sung. But I never say never. If destiny wants me to, I might just. We’ll have to wait and see.