Jagjit Singh, the legendary singer who brought us closer to ghazals and made them popular among the masses, was born on February 8, 1941. Undeniably, he was the only singer who not only made ghazals a popular genre but also created a huge impact on the masses with his soulful performances.
Although ghazals are considered to be painful and romantic which not everyone can relate to, today a majority of the population would take his name if asked about the genre. The legacy of Jagjit Singh has made him the undisputed king of ghazals. The way he used to portray heartbreak and the emotional dilemma is still mesmerizing to the ears.
On the occasion of the 77th birth anniversary of Jagjit Singh, the iconic singer with an unmatched persona, here are some very soothing and popular masterpieces from his career that exemplify class and perfection:
1. Hothon se Chhulo Tum
The soulful song from the 1981 classic Prem Geet beautifully depicts the feelings of a lover who says that there love doesn’t recognize any age boundary and it’s simply the feelings that count. The track was sung and composed by Jagjit Singh and was a valuable part of his career.
Na Umr ki Seema Ho, Na Janm ka Ho Bandhan
Jab Pyar Kare Koi, Toh Dekhe Keval Mann
2. Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar
This ghazal is from the 1982 movie Arth which was composed by Jagjit Singh and his wife Chitra Singh. It’s a really romantic track in which a lover is asking his partner is she is sure that the love inside her heart hasn’t died. The lyrics penned by Kaifi Azmi were beautifully given a melodious tone by Jagjit Saahab.
Teri Ummeed par Thukra Raha Hu Duniya Ko
Tujhe Bhi Apne pe yeh, Aitbaar hai ki nahi?
3. Tum Itna jo Muskura Rahe Ho
This is one of the ghazals which still stands relevant and is highly popular among the ghazal lovers. Composed by Jagjit Singh and Chitra Singh, and written by Kaifi Azmi, this song simply depicts the inner feelings of every person who pretends to be happy but carries a heavyweight of sorrows in his heart.
Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho
Kya Ghum hai Jisko Chhupa Rahe Ho
4. Chitthi Na Koi Sandesh
The very popular song from the movie Dushman starring Kajol is still remembered as one of the most heart-wrenching songs ever written and sung. It plays in the movie when Kajol is lamenting the death of her sister and is regretting that she couldn’t save her. Each and every word of the song is so touching that it can make anyone cry.
Ek aah bhari hogi, humne na suni hogi
Jaate Jaate tumne Awaz to di hogi
5. Hoshwalon Ko Khabar Kya
Unlike most of the painful and sad songs, this one is dedicated to the lovers who are madly in awe of their partners. This song from the movie Sarfarosh (1999) is still counted as one of the essential love songs of Bollywood. In the movie, Aamir Khan has a crush on Sonali Bendre and while the two indulge in their own story, the song plays in the background.
Khulti Zulfon ne Sikhai Mausamo ko Shayari
Jhukti Aankhon ne Sikhaya Maikashi kya Cheez hai
