Jagjit Singh was born in Ganganagar, India, then in Rajputana in British India. His father Sardar Amar Singh Dhiman, employed by the Government of India, was a native of the village of Dalla in what is now Ropar district in Punjab and his mother Bachchan Kaur came from a deeply religious Sikh family from Ottallan village near Samrala.

His siblings include four sisters and two brothers and he is known as Jeet by his family. Although his late father wanted him to join the Indian Administrative Service, he was later reported to be happy with his son's achievements in the world of music. Singh went to Khalsa High School in Ganganagar. He then studied science after matriculation at Government College,Ganganagar and went onto DAV College, Jalandhar in to graduate in arts. He also achieved a post-graduate degree in history from Kurukshetra University, Haryana.

Legendary singer Jagjit Singh, who brought 'Ghazals' to the music collection of the common man is a bit uncomfortable with the tag and would rather like to be be known as one capable of singing all genres and styles. "Why do you call me a ghazal singer? I have done playback for Hindi and Pujabi films and also have sung Gurbani and bhajans. So why restrict me to just ghazals. I am a trained singer," Singh replied to a question during a press conference here recently. He believes that technology has taken over the music industry more than needed and the human touch is missing.

"The human touch is missing. One can see vast use of rhythm machines, synthesizers, and samplers in music. The technology does the major job. Today's generation of musicians doesn't want to put in any effort," says the singer.

The popular singer was in the capital for the launch of the music album of Punjabi film "Sat Sri Akal" which also features music reality show winner Ismeet Singh. Talking about Ishmeet, who passed away recently he says, "I have heard his voice and found a very good throw and voice quality in his singing. It was a very gifted voice. He was a classical trained singer and it is unfortunate that he is not amongst us here today."

MARK

www.voiceofindia.in