Top 5 Ghazals from the man with a Golden voice- Jagjit Singh

The Golden voice of Jagjit Singh 

(Source - Internet)

My playlist has always been stuffed with ghazals. The credit goes to my elder brother (Bhaiya) who introduced me to this beautiful blend of romance and melancholy years back. I still remember he bought a cassette (yes, back then CDs didn't hit the stores) of ghazals, which he claimed to be "The Masterpiece" by "The Golden Duo"- Jagjit Singh and Gulzar. Back then, I was too young to comprehend the depth of the connection, which my brother felt with the songs and appreciated in silence. My only take away from that cassette was the "Marasim" (connection) with the enchanting voice that would linger in my mind even after the music system had been turned off for hours- the Golden voice of Jagjit Singh. 

Today on his 77th Birth Anniversary, I am reminiscing, the soulful voice of a man with golden heart. 

Happy Birthday Jagjit Signh ji!!!

"Ek Puraana Mausam Lauta, Yaad Bhari Purvayi Bhi

Aisa To Kam Hi Hotha Hai, Wo Bhi Ho Tanhaayee Bhi"

Here, I am listing the most magical melodies voiced by Jagjit Singh ji that will take you to a surreal journey of music and emotions.

1. "Baat Niklegi"

The first line of the song "Baat Niklegi To Dur Talak Jayegi" was true to its words. The success and praises for this singer started with this song and still denies to fade away even after four decades from its release (1976).

This song marked the beginning of the new era of ghazal in India that made him an overnight star countrywide. He shared this album with his life partner, an equally talented gazal singer, Chitra Singh. The album was named rightly as "The Unforgettable" because every single song from the album was cherished by gazal lovers and beyond. Before this album, he rendered his voice to some Bollywood scores like "Laagi Ram Bhajan Ni Lagani" and "Babul Mora Naihar".

2.  "Hontho Se Chhulon Tum"

Next on my list is the ever-charming gazal that epitomized the essence of platonic love.

The song is immortal in every sense. Jagjit ji did not just sing the song; his alluring voice has captivated the imagination of the lovers of all generations. Sometimes I wonder was it for his voice that the poet penned these words- "Honton Se Chhulon Tum, Mera Geet Amar Kar Do"?

This song featured in the movie "Prem Geet" on the lead pair Raj Babbar and Anita Raaj. The movie did well at the box office but this song remains to be the main highlight of the movie.

3. "Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar"

Talking about the magnificent Bollywood score sung by Jagjit ji, I just can't miss this song. 

“Arth” has been (literally) one of the most “meaningful” movies witnessed in the Indian Film Industry. The story, plot, narration, direction, cast, and every single aspect of the movie were worth praising. The icing on the cake was the songs by Jagjit ji. And this particular song was the best among the rest (though it is hard to pick just one of his songs). If you haven't heard it then I won't be able to express in words what you are missing. As the lyrics of another classic from this movies says "Tu Nahin To Zindagi Mein Aur Kya Reh Jayega"...

While the movie is often recommended as one of the “Top 25 Must See Bollywood Movies”, I believe that this song has seat in the topmost position in the Top 5 Must Listen To Bollywood Ghazals.

4. "Tum Ko Dekha To Yeh Khayal Aaya"

If you have recently fallen deeply in love and want to express your intense emotions for your beloved, then this is the song. 

"Hum jise gun guna nahi sakte

Waqt ne aise geet kyun gaya

Tumko dekha to yeh Khayal aya

Zindagi dhoop, tum Ghana Saya"

This lovely song has been a personal favourite of mine (well that goes for all the songs on this list). 

The song featured in the 1982 release, "Saath Saath". This song beautifully amalgamated the true essence of love into a ghazal. The magic was created when the charismatic voice of Jagjit ji was greeted by the simplicity of the story and cast (Farookh Sheikh sahab and Deepti Naval ji). I wonder if there was a day in the past few years when I didn’t listen to this song (at least for once).

5. Hosh Walo ko Khabar kya

"Hoshwalon Ko Khabar Kya

Bekhudi Kya Cheez Hai

Ishq Ki Jaye Phir Samajhiye

Zindagi Kya Cheez Hai"

If you are in love and you have not been able to make others understand your array of confusing feelings, then you can always take refuge to this song. 

Amidst the quest to counter the cross-border terrorism this song comes as a fresh breath of spring breeze in the movie and in your life as well. Song divinely depicts the budding love story between Seema and Ajay (portrayed by Sonali Bendre and Aamir Khan), whilst in college. Sarfarosh was released in the year 1999 was claimed as a superhit at box office.

This song is a spell that cannot be explained or expressed. Therefore, I will not even dare to try to explain it to you. Just listen to it (again) and know what I am talking about. 

I know, this list is just the tip of the iceberg. As I said its "top 5" but trust me most of his songs have the potential to take place on this list. but the prolem is I cant include all the songs. So, adieu friends. 

Hope you enjoy this list and fall in love with this majestic voice (again).