Jagjit Singh Ji (1941–2011) remains one of the most influential voices in modern Indian music — a singer-composer who reshaped the ghazal for a new generation. Born Jagmohan Singh Dhiman, Jagjit Singh Ji brought poetry to the people by choosing verses that spoke plainly and composing melodies that highlighted the emotion and meaning behind every line. Over a career spanning five decades, Jagjit Singh Ji’s recordings and live concerts made the ghazal accessible beyond classical audiences, transforming a niche art form into a mainstream emotional language.
HURT Foundation began inviting artists to perform at benefit concerts in 1999, and Jagjit Singh Ji’s presence at our Nehru Centre programmes left an indelible mark. His voice — at once intimate and expansive — drew audiences into a shared human experience: love, loss, longing, and dignity. For our organisation, those evenings were more than musical events; they were moments when art translated into social capital — raising awareness and funds for our programs while building an emotional bond between culture and cause.
Jagjit Singh Ji’s artistry combined deep classical sensibilities with a modern approach. He experimented with composition and arrangement while always keeping the poet’s words central. This craft helped ghazals resonate with younger listeners and inspired countless musicians who followed. Even after Jagjit Singh Ji’s sudden passing in October 2011, tributes poured in from critics and fans worldwide, underlining his extraordinary cultural influence.
For HURT Foundation, Jagjit Singh Ji’s support was catalytic. His willingness to lend his music — not merely his name — helped transform benefit evenings into signature events. We remain deeply grateful for his generosity and remember those concerts as defining chapters in our early growth: moments where melody met mission, and where audiences left not only moved, but inspired to act.
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