BUY TICKETS

Jagjit Singh is accredited with bringing the ghazal genre, which was previously restricted to the elite classes, to the masses. His music direction can be seen to be pioneering in changing the sound layout by adding more Western instruments while  retaining the traditional orchestra (which includes a tabla, dholak, bongos, sitar, sarod, santoor, flute, and harmonium, and a couple of string instruments].

With his silky smooth voice his singing touches the hearts of millions. He is on a tour of the US and will singing at the John Hancock Hall on April 19.

He talked to Lokvani about his music.

The audience in America loves you. Why did you decide to call this a farewell tour?   What will be the focus of this tour?

I hope this is not my farewell tour. I am returning back to perform in Boston after 3 years. My focus is to entertain the audience,  so they go home happy and remember my concert for years to come. I am also here for the international release of my latest album “Inteha”, which means ‘extreme’ or ‘ultimate’. It was released in India last week and over the April 10^th weekend in Raleigh and Toronto. The first CD in Raleigh was auctioned for $1,100 and the one in Toronto for $1,600. Proceeds from the sales of these two CDs have been donated to local charities.

 What is the secret to your phenomenal success?  

I would attribute my success to hard work and focus on good singing and performance. I live a disciplined life. I practice for at least 1-2 hours ever day, besides doing studio recording and experimenting with new compositions.

 Why do you think your music touches people so deeply?

 My music has touched many. This is due to emotional singing, the quality of my voice and the selection of the ghazals.  My ghazals are ‘close to life and simple. After hearing me, people realize one can have ghazals which do not focus just on sharaab and women. They can easily relate to it.

What is your favorite Ghazal? 

My favorite ghazal is ‘still to come’. However, over the years I have enjoyed Tum etna jo muskura do …, Hosh waleon ko… , Kagaz ki kasti …. and many more.

 In a fast moving world today where techno music and fast paced music is popular what do you think is the place of Ghazals?  

Ghazals is part of the literature and as such it will always be around even though I believe that singing of ghazals might go down a little bit. However, people will always look for good singers.  Today’s music is viral and there will always be need for music that is alive, and not vulgar or sexy.

 Are younger people taking to singing Ghazals.

Not as many younger people are taking to ghazals because they do not want to do the hard work. They are neither interested in learning music nor the literature behind it. They all want to sing popular music and become overnight stars. Therefore, you can see these stars fade away as fast they rise. 
 
Any message for the youth and our New England audience? 
 
Be positive. Be positive not only in attitude but in practical life. Have a focus in life. Don’t be confused and try to do too many things at the same time. If you are focused, you will be successful. Finally, come to the concert and enjoy the evening. My best wishes to all the readers of Lokvani.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you.

The Boston concert is brought to you by Shashank Desai, son of veteran actor Jayesh Desai. Shashank Desai is an accomplished musician who began his career as a child artist in dramas like “Santu Rangili” and “Ek Hati Rupli”. He has performed with music directors like Aadesh Shrivastav and like Priyesh Vakil. He has also shared the stage with well know film personalities like Kishore Jariwala.

|