’’The world of Music would not be complete without ghazals.
The world of ghazals would not be complete without Jagjit Singh’’
These lines are from the book Beyond Time -Ageless Music of Jagjit Singh foreword by Lata Mangeshkar, describing Jagjitji’s immense contribution to the ghazal world.
In the book Poet Nida Fazli says :
This is the magic of Jagjit Singh’s voice.
It has the sweetness of the mother.
The beauty of a father’s love, the tenderness of a deep relationship &
is like a soothing ointment upon one’s wound.
It comes to you & without taking anything, goes away
Can anyone describe it better? Jagjit Singh is indisputably one of the most talented artist of India, who fills our heart with his meaningful and melodious ghazals. Beyond Time - is much more than a coffee table book. It tells of his life & music struggles in this simple and direct way. As Jagjitji says ’’I have spoken about my music, years of struggle and Chitra, my pillar of strength. These memories have been strung together in my first biography’’
When reading the book, one is surprised to know that he talks so frankly about his middle class life or even when he was struggling to make a living in Bombay or even his huge achievements in music world. In one chapter he also says ’’ Why am I being hailed as the Godfather of Ghazal?’’ Then he goes on to explain the difference between a Ghazal & Ghazal Gayaki.
He tells the reader about being born into a lower middle class family, 11 children where even kites or radio was a luxury. His rakhi sister tells us about his struggle period where he spent his time at a churchgate cafe, inviting them for tea/sandwich but at the sametime asking them if they really wanted to eat? I found this very touching coz it shows a person who cares so much inspite of not been able to provide, at that time. The reader is touched by the simplicity of this great artist and by each of the memories revealed for the first time.
The others who speak equally earnestly about Jagjitji and their relation with him are his & and singing partner Chitra Singh, his family, friends, musicians, poets, film directors & colleagues in the music industry.
Needless to say, the most touching chapter in the book was where Jagjitji & his wife share their sorrow over losing their only son, Vivek [Baboo]. Here he describes how difficult it was to cope with this tragic loss & this nazm helped him to carry on :
Apna gham le ke kahin aur na jaaya jaaye,
Ghar mein bikhri hui cheezon ko sajaaya jaaye
[Let us not anguish elsewhere, Let us make beautiful the scattered objects at home]
The book describes Jagjitji and his music, ranging from his thoughts on the ghazal and composition to the active encouragement he gives young singers and his quiet dedication to charitable causes [CRY etc]. Also detailed are his six albums, from ’’The Unforgettables’’ to the latest one ’’Samvedna’’...............
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PS: Sorry for this Book review in music section but for some unknown reason [inspite of many reminders]MS has failed to add this book & I had no choice but to put up my review here........... to be contd in part 2