"The" Jagjit Singh

Ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh's has departed. My heart has been mourning for this terrible loss, an emotional support pillar has been shattered to pieces.

I still remember those late night study sessions when my helpless mind used to crumble under the pressures of an engineering degree. On one such night, I'd found an old CD with some 50 odd Ghazals by Jagjit Singh. I used to play it in the backdrop and my mind used to refrain from agitating. From the late night study sessions, Jagjit Sir's Ghazals slowly percolated into my playlists. There was a time when the only music I listened to, were the Ghazals by Jagjit sir.

It was like finding a shell to hide yourself, away from the pressures of a stressful life. Maybe there were many people like me. People who found an emotional refuge in his voice. A relief that the world outside failed to provide. Jagjit himself had faced many misfortunes in his life, like the death of his only son, maybe that's how he made a connection with our troubled hearts. He made people forget their woes for sometime, like a dear friend who understood, who felt, how you exactly felt like.

When it comes to music, Jagjit Sir fused western instruments like guitars, flutes, violins, drums with traditional indian instruments like tabla, harmonium, sitar, taking the Ghazal genre to a whole new level. As far his divine voice is concerned, don't be surprised when doctors recommend his voice for its therapeutic value.

Personally, Jagjit sir taught my shaky feet how to walk. His Ghazals are treasured gifts, I'll value for the rest of my life. It's like I'm connected to something divine, whenever I listen to him. I always wanted to watch him live. 2 months back I'd even got a chance. My uncle had even promised a face-to-face meeting. But things didn't shape up, I regret the course of my destiny for this.

This Ghazal maestro's voice will echo till the end of time and will serve as a guiding star for people who've lost their way, walking this highly unpredictable life.

I'd like to end with some lines from one of my favorite Ghazal...

Apni marzi se...Kahaan apne...
Safar ke...Hum hai...
Rukh hawaon ka...Jidhar ka hai..
Udhar ke.. Hum hai...

RIP Jagjit Sir. We love you.