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The maestro's magic, yet again

Jagjit Singh on his latest album `Jazbah' and new ghazal singers

PHOTO: SHANKER CHAKRAVARTY

SOULFUL FOR EVER Jagjit Singh says that his best is yet to come

Twelve years is a long time but the incident, on the even of an India-Sri Lanka One day international match, is still vivid. On a wintry night in Jalandhar, some of us, including a few Indian cricketers, were invited to an evening with Jagjit Singh. We enjoyed vantage position, and among the audience in the front row was Sachin Tendulkar.

Now Tendulkar knew little about ghazal, and nothing of Urdu. But he sat engrossed like the rest at the venue. Jagjit was warming up for the evening and the elite gathering was in a trance. At the end of a ghazal, a few clapped. Jagjit did not appreciate and announced, "I will stop singing if anyone claps or whistles again."

The rest of the evening, the only voice we heard was of the magical Jagjit. And on the way back, that of Tendulkar, who was humming one of the numbers. Jagjit had a new and illustrious addition to his ever-growing fan club.

When Gulzar, eminent lyricist, says, "his voice caresses the words", you know Jagjit is an extraordinary singer. Of course, Jagjit does not need to prove his credentials to anyone, anymore, for he is a universally acknowledged ghazal maestro.

Worthy collection

His latest offering, Jazbah is yet another tribute to soulful performance in times when nasal cacophony is given pride of place, making a mockery of quality singing. The album does not contain any new ghazals but it is a worthy collection of some of his most captivating numbers.

Launched by the Universal Music India, Jazbah is a must for every Jagjit fan. "The company has picked the numbers and I have had no say in it. It is something different from my earlier albums and contains most of my popular numbers. It is not possible to include all the good numbers in one album but the company has made a good effort," says Jagjit.

Jagjit is very touchy when he talks of the newcomers in the field of ghazals. "They seek the short cut from the bathroom to the studios," he sounds angry. Jagjit gives us an honest insight into his views on modern singers. And he minces no words either.

"There is a lot of talk of new talent but sadly not many appeal to me. The lack of hard work is pretty evident because there is no proper training and there is no respect for the language. In every field of life only the best are recognised as best. But the trend is changing rapidly in the world of music." Does anyone appeal to him? "Nobody" is his quick retort.

Jagjit's next gift to his fans is an album that will contain eight gems. Penned by Gulzar and sung by Jagjit, can't imagine a greater combination.

One is sure Tendulkar would be among the crowd of early buyers.

VIJAY LOKPALLY

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