On October 10, 2011, the famed ghazal singer Jagjit Singh passed away at the age of 70. But the musical treasures and recollections of the master ghazal singer remain a favorite among ghazal fans.

He was the oldest of four sisters and two brothers when he was born on February 8, 1941, in Sriganganagar, Rajasthan, to a government worker. According to his upbringing, he is a Sikh. His guru advised his Sikh father to change the boy’s name from Jagmohan to Jagjit.

Jagjit Singh built a reputation for himself in the 1970s, a time when Mehdi Hasan, Noor Jehan, and Begum Akhtar controlled the ghazal realm, with successes like Hontho Se Chhoo Lo Tum, Tum Ko Dekha, and many others.

It was said that the performer made the ghazal more popular by introducing it to the middle class and the general public. More than 40 of his own records were cut by him, and he sang for countless Bollywood movies. His ghazals were preserved for future generations by the pain and serenity in his voice, which was unsurpassed. He and his wife Chitra Singh are responsible for some of the most moving music in Hindi film history.

We chose the most soul-stirring of his songs, despite the fact that each of his ghazal songs is a masterpiece in and of itself, making it impossible to choose just a few.

1. Tumko Dekha Toh Yeh Khayal Aaya

This gorgeous song, one of Jagjit and Chitra Singh’s most well-known, quickly became everyone’s favorite love ballad.

2. Hoton Se Choo Lo Tum

One of the most classic love ballads ever written in ghazals.

3. Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar

The legendary ghazal song from the movie “Arth” was written by Kaifi Azmi.

4. Hoshwalon Ko Khabar Kya

The song frequently depicts Jagjit Singh and was written for the 1999 film Sarfarosh starring Naseeruddin Shah, Sonali Bendre, and Amir Khan. But there were also elements of Ghulam Ali, another master of ghazal melody, in the tune.