Jagjit Singh brings Ghalib's soul to Kashmir

The jam-packed auditorium of the Sher-e-Kashmir Convention Complex vibrated with scintillating music and magical nuances of Urdu ghazals as Jagjit sang his heart out infront of about 700 fans and music lovers.

As Jagjit sang his famous number “Woh Barish Ka Paani/Woh Kagaz Ki Kisti”, alluding to the pristine lakes and streams of Kashmir, writer of the ghazal Anoop Srivastava spoke of how he had flown in specially to be present during the concert.

“Hazaroon Khahishean Asi Ki Har Khashis Pe Dam Nikle/Bahut Nikle Meray Armaan Lakin Phir Bhi Kam Nikle”. This number from Jagjit's highly acclaimed album of  ghazals "Mirza Ghalib" left the audience ecstatic.

After  12 of his widely appreciated ghazals, Jagjit concluded his concert with a Punjabi song with the audience joining the singer in a chorus and literally dancing to the tunes of the song.

“You just cannot have enough of Jagjit Singh when it comes to Urdu ghazal singing. These four hours have become a memorable event for my daughter and me,” said Gulam Mohiuddin, 52,  a member of the audience.

“I had said yesterday that Kashmir has a large population of those who know Urdu and understand the intricacies of Urdu ghazal singing.

“I am happy I came and sang before such an appreciative and supportive audience,” Singh said as he wrapped up the wonderful evening by the banks of the Dal Lake.
The music and mirth inside the auditorium were matched by the rain and snow that lashed the Valley as Jagjit Singh spoke about the snow-clad mountains and the crystal clear lakes and streams.