Biography
Throughout his career Jagjit Singh earned the title “The Ghazal King” for his work as an Indian classical singer, composer, and musician. Following Ravi Shankar, he ranks among post-colonial India’s most significant and widely recognized figures and stands as its top-selling artist thanks to soundtracks and scores created for film and television plus his settings of poetry. Counting scores, he released more than sixty albums. His reputation rests equally on ghazals performed in multiple languages and on Indian light classical forms such as thumri and bhajan.
Together with his wife, the ghazal singer Chitra Singh, he rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s, restoring a traditional vocal approach that had declined after the late 1950s. Working in the Bol-pradhan manner—poetry sung with vocal improvisation over fixed arrangements—he paired straightforward melodies and modes with lyrics that addressed contemporary concerns.
A Sikh born in the Punjab’s Rajasthan region, Singh began formal training at Khalsa College Sr. Sec. School, continued at Khalsa College, Sriganganagar, earned an arts degree, and undertook postgraduate work at Kurukshetra University in Haryana. His principal teachers were Pandit Chhaganlal Sharma and Ustad Jamaal Khan. Professional activity began in 1961 with All India Radio; in 1965 he relocated to Mumbai seeking entry into Bollywood as a singer or composer. Early prospects proved modest: he spent years on advertising jingles before securing occasional playback assignments. He met future wife Chitra Singh in 1967 and they married two years later. Although they appeared together, joint recordings waited until the mid-1970s. Their first album, The Unforgettables, appeared on HMV in 1977. Despite singing together on only two tracks, the single “Baat Niklegi” became an immediate success, praised for blending contemporary orchestration with the classical ghazal structure. Later ghazals fared respectably, yet they were eclipsed by the 1979 double album Come Alive in a Live Concert with Jagjit and Chitra Singh and 1981’s Live in Concert at Wembley. The 1981 soundtrack Saath Saath and the 1982 soundtrack Arth, both composed by Singh, cemented the couple’s status as living legends; HMV lists them among its all-time best-selling soundtrack artists. Additional film scores include Premgeet, Tum Bin, Sarfarosh, Dushman, and Tarkeeb.
After their twenty-one-year-old son, Vivet, died in a car accident in 1991, Chitra Singh withdrew from performance. Singh proceeded independently, joining Lata Mangeshkar on the 1991 release Sajda, which reached number one at once and eventually became one of HMV India’s top-selling non-soundtrack titles. Frequent recordings followed, many in partnership with poet-lyricist Gulzar; every album issued in the 1990s charted. Extensive television work also began during the decade, yielding songs, serial themes, and scores for Heena, Neem Ka Pead, and Hello Jhindagi, among others. Singh turned to teaching, guiding singers such as Abhijeet Bhattacharya, Ashok Khosla, Ghanshyam Vaswani, Siza Roy, Talat Aziz, and Vinod Sehgal; he also discovered and mentored playback artist Kumar Sanu while continuing to perform, record, and compose for film. The 1998 Sahitya Academy Award recognized his popularization of Mirza Ghalib’s poetry through the score and soundtrack for the television series of the same name. In 2003 the Indian government conferred the Padma Bhushan; a Teacher’s Lifetime Achievement Award followed in 2006.
Singh suffered a brain hemorrhage before a concert with Ghulam Ali in 2011 and died on September 23. The state government of Rajasthan posthumously bestowed the Rajasthan Ratna in 2013, and Google marked the occasion with a homepage doodle. Since his death, reissues of his recordings and compilations have continued across Europe and Asia.
Together with his wife, the ghazal singer Chitra Singh, he rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s, restoring a traditional vocal approach that had declined after the late 1950s. Working in the Bol-pradhan manner—poetry sung with vocal improvisation over fixed arrangements—he paired straightforward melodies and modes with lyrics that addressed contemporary concerns.
A Sikh born in the Punjab’s Rajasthan region, Singh began formal training at Khalsa College Sr. Sec. School, continued at Khalsa College, Sriganganagar, earned an arts degree, and undertook postgraduate work at Kurukshetra University in Haryana. His principal teachers were Pandit Chhaganlal Sharma and Ustad Jamaal Khan. Professional activity began in 1961 with All India Radio; in 1965 he relocated to Mumbai seeking entry into Bollywood as a singer or composer. Early prospects proved modest: he spent years on advertising jingles before securing occasional playback assignments. He met future wife Chitra Singh in 1967 and they married two years later. Although they appeared together, joint recordings waited until the mid-1970s. Their first album, The Unforgettables, appeared on HMV in 1977. Despite singing together on only two tracks, the single “Baat Niklegi” became an immediate success, praised for blending contemporary orchestration with the classical ghazal structure. Later ghazals fared respectably, yet they were eclipsed by the 1979 double album Come Alive in a Live Concert with Jagjit and Chitra Singh and 1981’s Live in Concert at Wembley. The 1981 soundtrack Saath Saath and the 1982 soundtrack Arth, both composed by Singh, cemented the couple’s status as living legends; HMV lists them among its all-time best-selling soundtrack artists. Additional film scores include Premgeet, Tum Bin, Sarfarosh, Dushman, and Tarkeeb.
After their twenty-one-year-old son, Vivet, died in a car accident in 1991, Chitra Singh withdrew from performance. Singh proceeded independently, joining Lata Mangeshkar on the 1991 release Sajda, which reached number one at once and eventually became one of HMV India’s top-selling non-soundtrack titles. Frequent recordings followed, many in partnership with poet-lyricist Gulzar; every album issued in the 1990s charted. Extensive television work also began during the decade, yielding songs, serial themes, and scores for Heena, Neem Ka Pead, and Hello Jhindagi, among others. Singh turned to teaching, guiding singers such as Abhijeet Bhattacharya, Ashok Khosla, Ghanshyam Vaswani, Siza Roy, Talat Aziz, and Vinod Sehgal; he also discovered and mentored playback artist Kumar Sanu while continuing to perform, record, and compose for film. The 1998 Sahitya Academy Award recognized his popularization of Mirza Ghalib’s poetry through the score and soundtrack for the television series of the same name. In 2003 the Indian government conferred the Padma Bhushan; a Teacher’s Lifetime Achievement Award followed in 2006.
Singh suffered a brain hemorrhage before a concert with Ghulam Ali in 2011 and died on September 23. The state government of Rajasthan posthumously bestowed the Rajasthan Ratna in 2013, and Google marked the occasion with a homepage doodle. Since his death, reissues of his recordings and compilations have continued across Europe and Asia.
Albums

Pardesiyaa
2026

Deenan Dukh Haran Lofi Flip
2025

Pyaar Ki Kahaniyan
2025

Murli Manohar Gopala Lofi Flip
2025

Hey Govind Hey Gopal Lofi Flip
2025

Mera Nivedan Sun Lo
2025

Jai Radha Madhav Lofi Flip
2025

Hari Tum Haro Lofi Flip
2025

Eternity
2025

Hastakshar - Tushar Shukla
2025

Jagjit Singh Lofi Songs
2024

Divinity
2024

Uncut Mehfil
2024

Chote Nawab
2024

Ghazal-E-Lofi Vol. 3 - Jagjit Singh
2023

Ghazal-E-Lofi Vol. 1 - Jagjit Singh
2023

Ghalib X Lofi
2022

The Definitive Collection: Jagjit Singh
2018

Forever Jagjit
2016

MasterWorks - Jagjit Singh
2016

Tribute To Jagjit Singh Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan
2015

Main Ghalib
2015

Krishna Re
2014

Ghazal Ka Safar, Vol. 2
2014

Ghazal Ka Safar, Vol. 1
2014

Shri Krishnay Namah
2013

Om - Chantings
2013

Samarpan
2013

Top 10 Ghazal By Jagjit Singh
2013

The Voice From Beyond
2013

Jagjit Singh - The Master & his Magic
2012

Instrumental - Best Of Jagjit Singh
2012

The Real Story Jagjit Singh Compilation,Vol. 2
2012

Perfect 10 - Khiraj
2012

Shaam E Ghazal - Chitra Singh
2012

Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi Jagjit Singh
2011

Parwaaz-Live In Singapore
2011

Shri Ganesh
2011

Salasar Balaji
2010

Timeless Classics
2010

Echoes From Concerts Around The World
2010

Lively Jagjit
2010

Tum Ko Dekha To Khayal Aaya
2009

Hare Krishna Hare Rama
2009

Aum Jaap
2008

Guru Manyo Granth, Vol..2
2008

Guru Manyo Granth, Vol..3
2008

Guru Manyo Granth, Vol..4
2008

Guru Manyo Granth Vol.1
2008

Aarogya Mantra
2008

Amritanjali
2008

Jazbaat
2008

Hari Om Tatsat
2008

Aaeena
2008

Insight
2007

The Golden Collection Jagjit And Chitra Singh
2006

The Twelve Seasons of Melody
2006

The Twelve Seasons Of Melody
2006

Kabir
2006

Kabir by Jagjit Singh
2006

Koi Baat Chale
2006

Jagjit Singh Live In Sydney
2006

Mitr Pyare Nu
2005

Chariyaan Di Zoon Buri
2005

Karuna
2004

Kya Cheez Hai Sharaab Ghazals
2004

Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaaye
2004

Bemisaal Jagjit Singh
2004

Leela
2004

Diva Bale Sari Raat
2004

Arth
2004

Ek Haseen Sham Best Of Lively Ghazals,Vol. 1
2003

Mehfil Live In Concerts Jagjit Chitra,Vol. 1
2003

Dard-E-Jigar
2003

Stolen Moments
2002

Unique
2002

Samvedna
2002

Har Ko Naam Sada Sukhdayi - Gurbani By Jagjit Singh
2001

Aey Mere Dil
2001

Immortal
2001

Chirag
2001

Emotion
2001

Hungama Hai Kyon Barpa
2001

Khwahish - A Dream Come True
2001

Different Strokes Jagjit Singh
2001

Tareef Uss Khuda Ki
2000

Great Ghazals By Jagjit Singh and Pankaj Udhas
2000

Tum Laut Aao
2000

Marasim
2000

Silsilay - Jagjit Singh Javed Akhtar
2000

Rare Moments
1999

Desires
1998

Hare Krishna - A Live Concert
1998

Mirage - Jagjit Singh
1996

Face To Face
1996

Cry For Cry Music By Jagjit Singh
1995

Cry for Cry
1995

Khudai
1994

Hey Ram Hey Krishna
1994

Rare Gems - Jagjit And Chitra Singh
1994

Live With Jagjit Singh
1993

Vintage Ghazals Jagjit Singh And Chitra Singh
1992

Magic Moments With Jagjit And Chitra Singh
1992

Visions, Vol. 1
1992

Visions - Vol.2
1992

Golden Moment - Jagjit Singh - Gham Badhe Aate Hain
1991

Amake Dekhchho Kemon Jagjit And Chitra
1991

Sajda An Offering Of Ghazals
1991

Hope Jagjit And Chitra Singh
1991

Someone Somewhere
1990

Best Of Jagjit Singh And Chitra Singh Vol 2
1988

Black Magic
1988

Beyond Time
1987

Passions - Jagjit-Chitra Singh
1987

Ashiana
1986

A Sound Affair
1985

A Sound Affair Jagjit And Chitra Singh
1985

Aaj
1985

Stolen Moments Jagjit Singh
1985

Hey Govinda Hey Gopala
1983

Krishna Bhajans
1983

Nirvana
1983

The Latest
1982

Jagjit And Chitra Live Volume 1 And 2
1982

Kalka
1981

Live In Trinidad (Islamic Religious)
1981

Live In Trinidad (Bhajans)
1981

Shaam E Ghazal - Jagjit Singh
1980

The Best Of Chitra Singh
1979

Best Of Jagjit Singh Dhai Din Na Jawani Nal Chaldi
1978

The Unforgettables Jagjit And Chitra Singh
1977

Jagjit Singh - A Great Composer
1977
Singles

Hare Krishna
2026

Tum Meri Rakho Laaj Hari Lofi Flip
2025

Waheguru Simran
2025

Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar - Revival
2025

Om Namah Shivay
2025

Sadma - Papon
2025

Shri Adyashakti Sangkirtan
2025

Tum Ko Hum Dil Mein Basa Lenge
2024

Parakhana Mat (Ghazal Lofi)
2024

Yeh Kiska Tassavoor Hai (Ghazal Lofi)
2024

Yun To Guzar Raha Hai (Ghazal Lofi)
2024

Phir Nazar Se Pila Dijiye (Ghazal Lofi)
2024

Muskurakar Mila Karo Humse (Ghazal Lofi)
2024

Chithi Na Koi Sandesh - Lofi Mix
2024

Tum Ko Dekha To Yeh Khayal Aaya - LoFi
2024

Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho - LoFi
2024

Dil-E-Nadan Tujhe - LoFi Flip
2024

Gum Soom Yeh Jahan Hai (Ghazal Lofi)
2024

Uski Baten To Phool Hon Jaise (Ghazal Lofi)
2024

Gobind Bolo Hari Gopal Bolo
2024

Kanton Se Daaman Uljhana (Ghazal Lofi)
2024

Ghar Se Nikle The Hausala Karke (Ghazal Lofi)
2024

Benaam Sa Ye Dard (Ghazal Lofi)
2024

Bahut Khoobsurat (Ghazal Lofi)
2024

Tera Chehra Hai Aaeene Jaisa (Ghazal Lofi)
2024

Hothon Se Chhu Lo Tum (Ghazal Lofi)
2024

Kisi Ranjish Ko Hawa Do Keh Main Zinda Hoon - Reprise
2024

Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar
2024

Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar - Reprise
2024

Vande Ganpati Vighnavinashan
2024

Jai Ganesh Gananath Dayanidhi
2024

Dohe
2024

Apne Karam Ki
2024

Gagan Ki Ote Nishana
2024

Pratham Sumir Shri Ganesh
2024

Lagan Bin
2024

Gham Ka Khazana - Reprise
2024

Ganpati Bappa Morya
2024

Krishna Murariji Aankh Base Man Bhave - Slowed And Reverb Lofi
2024

Chithi Na Koi Sandesh - Super Jhankar Beats
2024

Ambe Charan Kamal Hain Tere - Slowed And Reverb Lofi
2024

Hey Krishna Gopal Hari Lofi Mix
2024

Beet Gaye Din Bhajan Bina Re Lofi
2024

Hari Bin Kaun Sahay
2024

Baat Nihare Ghanshyam Lofi
2024

Tum Dhondho Mujhe Gopal Lofi
2023

Jai Jai Ganapati Bhaktan
2023

Banke Bihari Lofi
2023

Mera Jeevan Teri Sharan Lofi
2023

Hey Shiv Shankar Hey Karunakar Lofi
2023

Rehna Nahi Des Birana
2023

Hey Gobind Hey Gopal Lofi Mix
2023

Parabhuji Tum Chandan Ham Pani Lofi
2023

Jai Jai Sai Ram Lofi
2023

Hothon Se Chhu Lo Tum (Lofi Flip)
2023

Jai Radha Madhav Lofi Flip
2023

Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho Lofi Mix
2023

Har Har Mahadev (Bhajan) Lofi
2023

Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho - Trap Mix
2023

He Ram He Ram Lofi Flip
2023

Phir Nazar Se Pila Dijiye (Instrumental Music Hits)
2023

Rukh Se Parda (Instrumental Music Hits)
2023

Tera Chehra Hai Aaeene Jaisa (Instrumental Music Hits)
2023

Hothon Se Chhu Lo Tum (From "Prem Geet" / Instrumental Music Hits)
2023

Chithi Na Koi Sandesh - Chillwave
2023

Chithi Na Koi Sandesh - LoFi
2023

Gaiye Ganpati Jagvandan
2023

Paani Mein Meen Pyasi
2023

Hey Ram - Reprise
2023

He Ram He Ram - Relaxing LoFi
2023

Hey Krishna Gopal Hari - Lofi
2023

Mahakaya
2023

Hey Gobind Hey Gopal - Lofi
2023

Jai Radha Madhav - Lofi
2023

He Ram He Ram - Lofi
2023

Jai Ganesh Deva Aarti
2022

Hari Tum Haro
2022

Iko Noor Hai Sabh De Anda
2022

SRI REHRAAS SAHIB
2022

Hoshwalon Ko Khabar Kya (Lofi Mix)
2022

Raat Ke Baad Bhi Andhera Hai
2022

Vaishnava Stuti
2022

Shri Krishna
2021

Hari Bol
2020

Hari Hari Bol
2020

God Bless India
2017

The Life And Times Of Jagjit Singh,Vol. 4
2012

Tera Bayaan Ghalib - 1
2012

Legends - Kaifi Azmi Vol 5
2012

Amrit Naam Ram
2011

Jai Shree Ram
2010

Satnam Shri Waheguru
2008

Mere Ram
2008

Hari Om Tatsat
2006

Beet Gaye Din Bhajan Bina
2004

When I Am Alone
2004

Rishton Mein Daraar
2002

Challa -Pun
2002

Chale Bhi Aao
2001

Jagjit And Chitra Yeh Geet Amar Kardo Live
1999

Jagjit Singh And Mohinder Kapoor
1995

Hum To Hai Pardes (Instrumental)
1994

Kahkashaan
1992

Punjabi Hits Of Jagjit And Chitra Singh
1985

Jagjit And Chitra Live In Concert
1984

Twamev Mata
1981

Best Of Jagjit And Chitra Singh
1979

Solid Gold - Inderjeet Hassanpuri -Punjabi Folk
1979

Come Alive In A Live Concert With Jagjit And Chitra (Part 1)
1979

Tyaag Patra
1978

The Life And Times Of Jagjit Singh,Vol. 5
1975
Live

Jagjit Singh And Chitra Singh Live At Royal Albert Hall
1983

Sunte Hain Ke Mil Jaati Hai Har Cheez Dua Se (Live)
1981

Hey Ram Hey Ram (Live)
1981

Daya Dharam Nahi Tore Manwa (Live)
1981

Ramayan (Live)
1981

Eid Ka Din Hai (Live)
1981

Deenan Dukh (Live)
1981

Tujhe Dhoondta Tha Main Chaar Soo (Live)
1981

Ab Toh Mere Khuda Mujhe Jalwa Dikhaiye (Live)
1981

Zara Chehre Se Kamli Ko Hata Do Ya Rasool Allah (Live)
1981

Yada Yada Hi Dharmasya (Live)
1981

Tareef Us Khuda Ki Jisne Jahan Banaaya (Live)
1981
