Kolkatans remember Jagjit Singh

His last concert was in Kolkata. The next one, which he was supposed to perform after recovery, was also supposed to be held in this city.
Those who attended his last show are still addicted to his voice. There was a bit of confusion before the Science City concert began. Overcrowded to the brim, people had got restless. But the moment, Singh went up on the stage and began “Main nashe mein hoon”, his voice worked like magic.The same crowd that was very upset second ago calmed down and by the time, Singh had progressed to singing his fifth or sixth number, they had willingly started singing along with him.
Said Abir Banerjee, who organized the last concert of Jagjit Singh, “Our concert was held on September 10 in Kolkata. That was his last concert. At this show, he also changed the lyrics of “Mein nashe mein hoon” into”Main 70 ka hoon”. Even at this time, he spoke about wanting to return to Kolkata yet again for a concert in November. He was supposed to sing at a show in Mumbai with Ghulam Ali ji on September 23. However, moments before this concert was supposed to begin, he had to be hospitalized. Hariharanji had performed at this concert along with Ghulam Ali saab.”
Badal Dhar Chowdhury, who had a 35-year-old association with the ghazal maestro, said, “Everything was decided for a show at Nazrul Manch on November 26. We had booked the hall and had also made the necessary payments. He was like my younger brother and I just can’t come to terms with this news. Even the day his mother died, I remember he came to perform in Kolkata for a concert. He went to the crematorium and after performing the last rites, took a flight to Kolkata and landed straight at the auditorium. People still talk about how mesmerizing he was at this concert even though he had suffered bereavement that day. I suppose, that’s what legends are made of. His son died early and it took him some time to come to terms with the loss. Then, Chitra lost her daughter. Jagjit bhai still found solace in music. Even before he was hospitalized, I knew he would do riyaaz every single day in the morning. That was his dedication.”
Chowdhury is now planning to organize a concert in memory of the ghazal maestro on November 26 in Kolkata. “I am in a state of shock. I haven’t yet decided on who to approach to perform at this event,” Chowdhury adds.
Dard se mera daman bhar de ya allah/Phir chahe diwana kar de ya allah... the legend had sung. Singh’s demise truly has shrouded music-lovers in grief. His songs, perhaps, can still make ‘diwana’s out of many!
Listen to Jagjit's Ghazals on Gaana