A fitting tribute to ghazal king Jagjit Singh in Dubai

Wednesday, October 10 marks the 7th death anniversary of the Indian ghazal legend Jagjit Singh, and there was no better day than Thursday, October 11 to choose to remember the maestro in Dubai. At the show, renowned writer/poet Javed Akhtar will recite the legend's poems, while Shekhar Ravjiani (of the Bollywood music composer duo Vishal-Shekhar fame) and prominent violinist Deepak Pandit will add onto the magic by syncing Javed's words with their voice and music respectively, as they bring to life Jagjit's ghazals in a concert at Madinat Jumeirah.
The artistes performing at the Hazaaron Khwahishein Aisi concert were closely connected with Jagjit. Akhtar has written most of his ghazals while Shekhar and Deepak were mentored by the legend. Jagjit is famous for reviving and popularising the ghazal genre and has composed hits for Bollywood films such as Prem Geet, Arth and Saath Saath. The audience can expect to hear ghazals such as Hothon Se Cholo Tum, Hazaaron Khwahishein Aisi, Tumko Dekha, Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar, Hoshwalon ko Khabar Kya, and more.
Ahead of the event Shekhar and Deepak spoke to City Times to tell us more about Jagjit and what to expect at the concert.
Shekhar, why did you decide to do this tribute show?
As a follower and friend of Jagjitji, I've always wanted to express my love, respect and gratitude to him for showing me the way in my musical journey. I couldn't think of a more apt way to do this than through a concert.
What attracted you to Jagjit's music?
From a young age, I was awestruck by him. He had a formidable presence and could put anyone at ease with his smile. Hearing him sing was a treat and I never missed an opportunity to witness his magic.
How was he as a mentor?
I am truly fortunate to have Jagjitji as my mentor. The best teachers don't really have to teach. You learn by simply watching them, hearing them and emulating them. He was an inspiring presence and when a person with so much soul sings, you learn more in a single hour than you would in years.
Do you apply Jagjit's teachings in your compositions?
Every single nuance that I learnt from him in some way or another finds a note to shine through in the music that I compose and sing.
How relevant are ghazals in the current music scenario?
One of the reasons that prompted me to present this ensemble of ghazals was to revive the love for this form. If we look deep within, we are all ghazal fans as there is no form of music that can tug at the heart both through the mesmerising words and the music that strings them together, and I hope to play my part in bringing back the magic  of ghazals.
How can ghazals be made more appealing?
Concerts like Hazaaron Khwahishein Aisi, are the simplest ways to rekindle the love for ghazals in people who just need to be reminded of how beautiful the genre is. A taste for this music form will gradually develop even among the youth. We will soon see a resurgence of ghazals.
Both you and Vishal are currently busy judging TV shows. Doesn't that take away from your duties as composers?
They say that when you teach, you learn even more than you impart. And that's what judging shows is all about. When I choose to mentor participants on shows such as Saregamapa, on which I am returning as a judge, I realise how much there is to imbibe from others - no matter how young or even people from remote parts of our country. It is eye-opening to see how ever-evolving the world of music can be. And these experiences only serve to enrich my compositions as I come away more inspired than ever.
How good are the talents on TV shows? Would you say the future lies there?
In the past decade, we have seen some incredible talents in music reality shows. I myself have judged about 12 of these and I can say that I am truly impressed by the musical genius that is emerging from the towns and villages in India. However, translating talent into viable work opportunities is something that takes a lot of hard work. The future holds a lot of potential and opportunity for those who have the will to strive for it.
What brings you to Dubai so often?
It's among my most favourite places in the world. It has a glorious, vibrant blend of cultures and beautiful people from all over the world. I have always loved performing in Dubai.
What can fans look forward to at your show in Dubai?
I hope to gift the people of Dubai, a few hours of bliss through a very special musical journey that I hope will transport them to a peaceful and harmonious world... away from the chaos that surrounds us. I want the audience to leave with a smile on their faces and in their hearts.
'He treated me like his own child' : Deepak Pandit 
You have worked with Jagjit for about 24 years. Tell us more about that?
If I were to put it into words, I'd have a lot to say, but I'd like to say that the time I've spent with Jagjitji on and off stage has been great. When I was an adolescent, Jagjitji would take me to concerts and recordings. At that time, I didn't know he was such a great singer. I was too young to understand that. The 23-24 years of my life I spent with the maestro passed away with the blink of an eye. He treated me like his own child.
How was it performing with him?
He would never plan anything before going on stage. Everything would be decided on stage. I still ardently follow an advice he gave me: Don't try to impress others, impress yourself first, because if you don't enjoy your own work, no one else will. It's so true!
Any particular incident you would like to recall about Jagjit?
Yes. He was a man of unwavering commitment. I remember once, we were at Mumbai airport travelling to Kolkata for a concert. Suddenly, Jagjitji got a call informing him about his mother's demise. Right away, Jagjitji left for Delhi to complete the last rites of his mother and returned the same night to perform in Kolkata. He didn't mention anything to anyone and went through the three-hour show in a normal manner. At the end of the show, when the organiser heard about Jagjitji's mother's death, he wept on stage in front of the audience saying, 'No one in the world could do something like this (stick to a commitment), except Jagjitji. He kept his word and completed the concert without making anyone feel his grief.'
 
 
michael@khaleejtimes.com