Popularly known as the “The Ghazal King”, Jagjit Singh was an Indian ghazal singer, composer and musician. He sang in numerous languages and is credited with the revival and popularity of ghazal, an Indian classical art form by choosing poetry that was relevant to the masses and composing them in a way that laid more emphasis on the meaning of words and the melody evoked by them. The range and breadth of his work has been regarded as genre-defining.
Singh is considered to be the most successful ghazal singer and composer of all time in terms of critical acclaim and commercial success and here I come up with the list of 18 best ghazals by the King of Ghazals.
1. Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho (Movie- Arth)
This was the most famous song of Jagjit Singh’s career. The song had a significant impact on popular culture. The song is regularly referenced in films and by his fans.
2. Hothon Se Chhulo Tum (Movie- Prem Geet)
This was another popular hit ghazal by the ghazal king. This song featured in the timeless classic film Prem Geet starring Raj Babbar and Anita Raj.
3. Haath Chhute Bhi Toh Rishtey Nahi Chhoda Karte (Album- Celebrating the Master)
This famous song came as a collaboration of talented duo of legendary poet Gulzar and the Jagjit Singh. Singh’s compassionate and melodious voice breathed life into the words of Gulzar.
4. Baat Niklegi To Phir (Album- Tere Khushbo Mein Base Khat – Nazms)
Jagjit Singh penned down this ghazal for a Punjabi magazine. He tried releasing it into an album which unfortunately got abandoned and later in a film which got shelved. However when he landed his HMV deal, this was the first song he recorded for his LP.
5. Jab Samne Tum Aa Jaate Ho (Album- Saher)
Jagjit Singh teamed up with melody sisters Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle to deliver this musical hit. The trio came up with this gem for his 2000 album Seher.
6. Hazaron Khwahishen Aisi (Album- Main Ghalib)
This was a brilliant ghazal written by Mirza Ghalib. Jagjit Singh came up with his effervescent melodious voice to deliver this musical hit.
7. Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai (Album- Tere Khushbo Mein Base Khat – Nazms)
Originally the song was sung by singer Mukesh for the film Shor. Jagjit Singh added his own twist to the song to make it a legendary hit.
8. Koi Yeh Kaise Bataye (Movie- Arth)
This song by Jagjit Singh for sure synonymous to a gem and it featured in Mahesh Bhatt’s album Arth. Also the song was used as a title song for the TV show Heena starring Simone Singh.
9. Tere Aane Ki Jab Khabar Mehke (Album- Saher)
This song featured in Singh’s popular album Sehar released in 2000. The amazing trio of Jagjit Singh, Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle gave the song a heart-warming feel making it a soulful conductor of music.
10. Pyar Mujh Se Jo Kiya Tumne (Movie- Saath Saath)
This soulful ghazal by Singh featured in the 1982 film Saath Saath. The ghazal was picturised on veteran actor Farooq Sheik.
11. Chithi Na Koi Sandesh (Movie- Dushman)
This bittersweet melody by Jagjit Singh featured in the 1998 film Dushman. The film portrayed Kajol in double role along with Sanjay Dutt and Ashutosh Rana.
12. Koi Fariyaad (Movie- Tum Bin)
This soulful melody by Jagjit Singh featured in Anubhav Sinha’ s film Tum Bin. The song went on to become the chartbuster of the year. A reworked version of the song also featured in the film’s sequel in 2016 which included additional vocals of Rekha Bhardwaj.
13. Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar (Movie- Arth)
This song featured in Mahesh Bhatt’s album Arth. The compassion in the voice of ghazal King made it one of the most acclaimed songs of the year.
14. Woh Kagaz ki Kashti…Woh Baarish ka Paani (Album- The Latest)
This is one of the most heart-touching ghazals performed by Jagjit Singh. The song calls out for every grown-up’s nostalgia for his childhood.
15. Tum Ko Dekha Toh Ye Khayal (Movie- Saath Saath)
This amorous composition by Jagjit Singh takes you to a different world altogether. The peace and tranquillity in his voice makes the song a beautiful piece.
16. Badi Nazuk Hai Ye Manzil (Movie- Joggers’ Park)
This song featured in 2003 film Jogger’s Park. However the film received a mixed response from audience, the song went on to become one of the hits of the year because of the magic in the voice of Ghazal King.
17. Hoshwalon Ko Khabar (Movie- Sarfarosh)
This heart-touching melody by Jagjit Singh beautifully describes the feeling of falling in love in addition to its sensuousness and delicate nature. The song featured in 1999 film Sarfarosh starring Aamir Khan and Sonali Bendre.
18. Shaam Se Aankh Mein Nami Si Hai (Album- Marasim)
This song by the ghazal King is truly enchanting. The song perfectly depicts the melancholy because of the lyrics and Jagjit Singh’s magical voice. The song earned him a place in the hearts of all music lovers.
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