On his ninth death anniversary, ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh’s close associates recall his warm persona

None of the music legends have elicited as much love love and appreciation as the late ghazal king Jagjit Singh. On his ninth death anniversary, his close associates share some prized memories.

He was an inspiration

— Anup Jalota, singer

Eminent singer Anup Jalota says, “We had changed our names and addressed each other as ‘Bhajan Jalota’ and Ghazal Singh’ even while exchanging mails and messages. He was an inspiration for many, including me.”

Fruits of hard work

— Jaswant Singh Jaipur, elder brother of Jagjit Singh

Jaswant Singh Jaipur, elder brother of Jagjit Singh, recalls, “Devotional and classical music was in the family, as our father played Dilruba and harmonium. Jagjit was sent to Pandit Shagun Lal but later Ustad Jamal Khan was engaged for Rs 25 per month to teach him, our sister and me. Jagjit used to do riyaaz on taanpura from 4 am to 8 am before the classes of Ustad Jamal Khan, who taught classical, thumri and later ghazals to us. The rest, as they say, is history.”

Measured approach

— Simant Singh, organiser

“It is hard to believe that an established artiste like Jagjit Singh could be so considerate towards promoters like the was he was,” he says.

— SD Sharma