🎵 Jagjit Singh Ji – My Eternal Musical Inspiration

A personal tribute by Shishir Parkhie 

Some voices don’t just sing — they stay with you forever. For me, Jagjit Singh Ji’s voice was that companion, shaping my musical journey long before I stepped on stage.

My first encounter with his music was as a child. Our home record player could only play 78 RPM and 45 RPM discs, but Jagjit Singh Ji’s LPs (33⅓ RPM) — “Come Alive” and “The Unforgettables” — belonged to my father’s dear friend, Mr. Kamat. I would visit their home again and again, listening to every ghazal and nazm, trying to hum and learn them. These melodies planted the first seeds of my love for ghazals.

Over time, I explored more of his albums, including “Two in One”, gifted to my father by my uncle from the US, and other cassettes I carefully collected. Every piece — from “Baat Niklegi Toh Phir Door Talak Jaayegi” (nazm) to “Aahista Aahista”, and “Ye Daulat Bhi Le Lo, Ye Shohrat Bhi” (nazm) — became a lesson in expression and emotion. Even the ghazal “Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar” from the film Arth deeply moved me and became part of my practice repertoire.

                           

In the mid 1980s, after moving to Nagpur, I continued preparing and performing his ghazals. I never missed the Mirza Ghalib serial on TV, as every line and nuance influenced my singing deeply.

Through the 1990s, even during small concerts, I continued performing his ghazals. Songs from films like Prem Geet and Sarfarosh — especially “Hothon Se Chhu Lo Tum, Mera Geet Amar Kar Do” and “Hoshwalon Ko Khabar Kya” — resonated with me and formed part of my stage repertoire. I was fortunate to witness him live in Nagpur once, which remains a cherished memory.

Jagjit Singh Ji’s style, expression, and musical sensibilities had a profound impact on me. I never tried to imitate him — I simply absorbed the depth, emotion, and soul in his singing, applying it to my own compositions and performances.

From childhood through today, I have sung his ghazals at countless concerts. By 2011, before his passing, many of my performances included his iconic works. That same year, my album “Roomaniyat – Ghazals of Love and Longing” was released.

In 2012, I was deeply honored to be nominated alongside Jagjit Singh Ji for the prestegious Global Indian Music Academy Awards (GIMA) in the Best Ghazal Album category. While my album “Roomaniyat” released on 1st October 2011, Jagjit Singh Ji’s “Tera Bayaan Ghalib” came out a few months later, after his passing on 10th October 2011. Yet, both albums were recognized together that year.

It was a proud and humbling moment — though sadly, I never got the chance to meet him in person. Yet, his influence continues to guide every performance, every note, and every ghazal I sing.

Jagjit Singh Ji’s music is not just a memory; it is a lifelong companion, a mentor, and an eternal inspiration. Through his ghazals, I learned the true meaning of ehsaas in music — and that is a gift I carry with me on every stage.

My First Solo Ghazal Concert: A Navratri Memory at 15

 

It was the autumn of 1983, during Navratri, when I was just 15 years old, that I had the unforgettable opportunity to perform my first solo ghazal concert. We were living in Bokaro Steel City then, in our home at Cooperative Colony. The colony had around 400–500 houses, with a large ground at the center where the Triveni Puja Samiti organized grand Durga Puja celebrations each year. That year, I was given the stage for a solo 90-minute ghazal performance.

From my childhood, I was deeply drawn to ghazals. My parents played a pivotal role in nurturing this love. My mother was associated with Akashvani Ranchi, where she often sang songs, ghazals, and bhajans from lyrics provided by the radio station. My father together with my mother composed the music for them. From these, I carefully chose a few ghazals to present at this concert. Alongside, I had spent countless hours listening to records and cassettes—rewinding, forwarding, and absorbing the nuances of the voices of Jagjit Singh, Pankaj Udhas, Talat Aziz, and Anup Jalota.

Music was always around me. My father noted down timings of ghazal programs on the radio so he could listen late into the night, and I often sat with him. Friends also played a role—my classmate Saurabh Chandra had a fine collection of ghazal records, while my father’s friend, Kamat Kaka owned LPs that I visited often to listen and learn. At home, a Panasonic two-in-one tape recorder gifted by my uncle from the US became my constant companion in practice.

When I look back, I realize how much the environment influenced me. At school, my history teacher, Dasgupta Sir, passionately explained Mughal history, and it was through him I first came across Bahadur Shah Zafar’s poetry. In a school gathering, I once sang Lagta Nahin Hai Dil Mera Ujre Dayaar Mein, which earned me warm appreciation. These small moments built my confidence step by step while I was studying at St.Xavier's School, Bokaro Steel City.

For my first concert, I was fortunate to have three senior musicians accompany me. On tabla was Surjeet Sinha, widely respected for his beautiful playing; on harmonium, Rana Jha ji, a renowned guru of classical music in Bokaro; and on guitar, Bapi da, who lived just behind our lane and later went on to play professionally in Mumbai and Kolkata. Having such accomplished artists support a young performer like me was a blessing.

That evening, I sang ghazals that had become a part of me—Jagjit Singh’s Hothon Se Chhu Lo Tum from Prem Geet, Talat Aziz’s Raaste Yaad Nahin, Rehnuma Yaad Nahin, and an Anup Jalota ghazal, Kamsin Ho Mohabbat Ki Baatein, along with a few others that I had picked up from my parents’ compositions and the popular ghazal repertoire of that time.

I still remember being handed ₹300 as an honorarium for that performance. I divided it equally among the three senior musicians who had accompanied me, as a token of respect for their guidance and generosity. For me, their blessings were the real reward.

Now, as Navratri unfolds once again, memories of that first solo concert come rushing back. It was not just a performance—it was the beginning of a lifelong journey with ghazals, nurtured by family, teachers, friends, and the musical environment of my early years.

Kya Khona Kya Paana – A Ghazal That Reflects Life’s Truths

I am happy to present Kya Khona Kya Paana — a ghazal that touches upon life’s simple but deep truths.

Written by Arun Tiwari 'Anjaan', this ghazal reflects on the journey of life — its highs, lows, memories, and inevitable return to simplicity.

As the singer and composer, I have tried to capture this essence through my music and voice.

I invite you to watch the official music video and feel the emotions that this ghazal conveys.

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Watch the music video:

Listen to the full song on your favourite platform:

👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3gyD3l9
👉 Hungama: https://bit.ly/338lFka
👉 Apple Music: https://apple.co/3B8tGCh
👉 Amazon: https://amzn.to/3gBhe4s
👉 Wynk: https://wynk.in/u/IhnTOxOlR
👉 Resso: https://m.resso.com/ZSetJT2CU/
👉 JioSaavn: https://yourshort.link/vYTy3

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Lyrics — Kya Khona Kya Paana

Kya khona kya paana saahab
Jeevan ek fasaana saahab

Chahe jitna ooncha ud lo
Ek din neeche aana saahab

Itne bhi maghroor hue kyun?
Mitti mein mil jaana saahab

Kitna mushkil kaam yahan hai
Apni laash uthana saahab

Gilli danda panghat masti
Sab peeche reh jaana saahab

Dil chahe apnon ka saaya
Dil ka kya? deewana saahab

Main bhi bhool raha hoon sab kuch
Tum bhi yaad na aana saahab

Khulus – Ghazals of Dreams, Desires & Destiny by Shishir Parkhie

 

Some emotions live between dreams and reality, between desires unfulfilled and destiny unfolding. In Khulus, ghazal singer and composer Shishir Parkhie, along with the words of emerging contemporary poet Ashok Jharia "Shafaq", offers a musical journey into these subtle spaces where the heart often dwells.

Released by T-Series, Khulus carries forward the rich tradition of ghazal while embracing the freshness of contemporary thought and feeling. The verses touch upon not only romantic love, but also longing, spiritual quest, introspection, and acceptance of destiny.

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The Tracks:

1. Jab Tassavvur Mein
A tender reflection on how thoughts bridge distances. Even in separation, the beloved remains close through imagination.

2. Wo Pyaar Wo Khuloos
A deep introspection on attachments and ultimate spiritual contentment. Material desires fade before the purity of true devotion.

3. Bekhudi Sii
An ecstatic surrender to love’s magic, where reality dissolves into blissful intoxication.

4. Allah Allah Ye Kya
A plea to the divine for reunion. The lover invokes higher powers to overcome obstacles in love’s path.

5. Ghamon Mein Zara
A poetic ode to pain — where sorrow itself teaches tenderness, depth, and understanding.

6. Sitam Ki Wo Bijli
A bold celebration of the heart’s resilience, where even suffering becomes insignificant before the beloved’s allure.

7. Kaha Dil Ka
An intimate exploration of desire, vulnerability, and emotional identity, wrapped in poetic delicacy.

8. Daur Pe Daur
A playful surrender to intoxication, where worldly concerns vanish, replaced by ecstatic abandon.

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The Artistry Behind Khulus

The emotive voice of Shishir Parkhie, combined with the thoughtful arrangements, breathes life into each ghazal. This collection retains the classical essence of ghazal while presenting it through a contemporary lens — accessible yet profound for today’s audience.

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🔗 Listen to the Album:

You can listen to Khulus – Ghazals of Dreams, Desires & Destiny by Shishir Parkhie on your favorite music platforms:

🎧 Spotify:

Click here to listen on Spotify

🎧 Apple Music:

Click here to listen on Apple Music

Credits:

• Singer & Music Director: Shishir Parkhie

• Poet: Ashok Jharia "Shafaq"

• Label: T-Series

Musicians:

• Tabla & Percussions: Devendra Yadao

• Sitar: Nasir Khan

• Flute: Arvind Upadhye

• Violin: Shirish Bhalerao

• Dholak: Nitin Chimote

• Music Arrangement & Acoustic Guitar: Sandeep Kapoor

• Recording & Mixing: Pawan Tiwari (Digital AuVi Media, Nagpur)

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Khulus is not just an album; it’s an immersive journey where poetry and melody blend seamlessly, offering listeners a space to pause, reflect, and feel. It stands as a testimony to how ghazal continues to evolve — remaining timeless, yet always new.

Chaman Mein Subh Ye Kehti Thi — A Timeless Ghazal by Khwaja Meer Dard

 

Ghazal Title: Chaman Mein Subh Ye Kehti Thi Ho Kar Chashm-e-Tar Shabnam
Poet: Khwaja Meer Dard
Singer & Composer: Shishir Parkhie
Album: Virasat – The Legacy of Legends (Times Music)

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The Eternal Beauty of Urdu Poetry

In the world of classical Urdu poetry, few names shine as brightly as Khwaja Meer Dard. A Sufi poet from Delhi, Dard's verses express profound emotions of love, longing, separation, and spiritual depth, woven into delicate imagery that touches the heart.

This particular ghazal uses shabnam (dew) as a subtle metaphor for silent tears, painting vivid pictures of love’s tender vulnerability. Every couplet adds layers to the portrayal of longing, showcasing Dard’s mastery of poetic symbolism.

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Meaning & Interpretation

"Chaman mein subh ye kehti thi ho kar chashm-e-tar shabnam
Bahaar-e-baagh go yoon hi rahi lekin kidhar shabnam"

As morning arrives, the garden remains beautiful and blooming, but the dew that cried all night — where has it gone? A tender symbol of longing and separation.

"Arq ki boond us ki zulfon se rukh'saar par tapki"
The drop of sweat or dew trickled from her tresses onto her cheek — capturing the softness and intimacy of a moment in love.

"Ta'ajub ki hai jagah ye padi khurshid par shabnam"
It’s astonishing that dew could settle even on the sun — where heat should dominate, the cool softness of love still remains, revealing the depth of true affection.

"Humein to baagh tujh bin khaana-e-maatam nazar aaya
Idhar gul phaadte the jaib, roti thi udhar shabnam"

Without the beloved, the garden feels like a mourning ground. The flowers tear their own robes (petals), while the dew quietly weeps.

"Kare hai kuch se kuch taseer-e-sohbat saaf tabon ki
Huyi aatish se gul ki, baithte rashk-e-sharar shabnam"

The effect of good company is strange — even after burning by the heat of the flower, the dew calmly rests, making the sparks jealous of its composure.

"Nahin asbaab kuch laazim subuksaaron ke uthne ko
Gayi ud dekhte apne baghair az baal-o-par shabnam"

Those who are light don’t need wings to rise. The dew simply evaporates and floats away without wings or feathers.

"Na samjha 'Dard' hum ne bhed yaan ki shaadi-o-gham ka
Sahar khandaan hai, kyun roti hai kis ko yaad kar shabnam"

We could never understand the strange coexistence of joy and sorrow. The morning smiles, but the dew silently weeps — remembering whom?

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My Musical Journey with This Ghazal

I had the privilege of composing and rendering this exquisite ghazal for my album Virasat – The Legacy of Legends released by Times Music. Translating such delicately nuanced poetry into melody was both challenging and deeply fulfilling.

The ghazal’s serene pace and profound emotion allowed me to explore subtle musical expressions that complement the poetry’s depth. Every note attempts to bring alive Dard’s soulful imagery.

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About Virasat – The Legacy of Legends

Virasat is my humble tribute to the legendary poets of classical Urdu literature. In this album, I have composed and rendered ghazals written by poets like Khwaja Meer Dard, Asghar Gondvi, Brij Narayan Chakbast, Quli Qutub Shah, and others — many of whom are not widely sung today.

Through Virasat, my aim is to revive these timeless gems and present them to today’s generation with fresh yet respectful musical compositions.

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🎧 Listen to This Ghazal:

👉 Watch on YouTube

👉 Also available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, JioSaavn & all major platforms.

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🎼 Full Lyrics:

Chaman mein subh ye kehti thi ho kar chashm-e-tar shabnam
Bahaar-e-baagh go yoon hi rahi lekin kidhar shabnam

Arq ki boond us ki zulfon se rukh'saar par tapki
Ta'ajub ki hai jagah ye padi khurshid par shabnam

Humein to baagh tujh bin khaana-e-maatam nazar aaya
Idhar gul phaadte the jaib, roti thi udhar shabnam

Kare hai kuch se kuch taseer-e-sohbat saaf tabon ki
Huyi aatish se gul ki, baithte rashk-e-sharar shabnam

Nahin asbaab kuch laazim subuksaaron ke uthne ko
Gayi ud dekhte apne baghair az baal-o-par shabnam

Na samjha 'Dard' hum ne bhed yaan ki shaadi-o-gham ka
Sahar khandaan hai, kyun roti hai kis ko yaad kar shabnam

शबनम में भीगी मोहब्बत की दास्तान — ख़्वाजा मीर दर्द की ग़ज़ल

ग़ज़ल: "चमन में सुब्ह ये कहती थी हो कर चश्म-ए-तर शबनम"

शायर: ख़्वाजा मीर 'दर्द'

गायक-संगीतकार: शिशिर पारखी

एल्बम: Virasat – The Legacy of Legends (Times Music)

क्लासिकल उर्दू शायरी में जब दिल की गहराइयों को छू लेने वाले शेरों की बात होती है, तो ख़्वाजा मीर 'दर्द' का नाम अपने आप सामने आता है। दिल्ली के इस सूफियाना मिज़ाज के शायर ने इश्क़, विरह और रूहानी एहसासों को इतने नाज़ुक और गहरे प्रतीकों में पिरोया कि हर शेर दिल में उतर जाता है।

इस ग़ज़ल में शबनम — यानी ओस की बूंदों — के माध्यम से विरह की पीड़ा को बयान किया गया है। सुबह की ठंडी फिज़ा में बिखरी ओस की बूंदें किसी के जुदाई में भीगे हुए आँसुओं की तरह जान पड़ती हैं। ग़ज़ल का हर शेर इस दर्द को और गहराई देता है।

🎙️ ग़ज़ल का भावार्थ — मोहब्बत का भीगा हुआ रूप

"चमन में सुबह ये कहती थी हो कर चश्म-ए-तर शबनम
बहार-ए-बाग़ गो यूँ ही रही लेकिन किधर शबनम"
👉 सुबह की रौशनी में बाग़ तो खिला हुआ है, लेकिन जो शबनम रात भर रोती रही — वह अब कहाँ है? यह विरह, जुदाई और तड़प का बड़ा कोमल प्रतीक है।

"अरक़ की बूँद उस की ज़ुल्फ़ से रुख़्सार पर टपकी"
👉 पसीने या ओस की एक बूंद उसके गेसुओं से फिसल कर उसके गाल पर गिर गई। इश्क़ के उस नाज़ुक पल की सजीव कल्पना सामने आ जाती है।

"तअज्जुब की है जागह ये पड़ी ख़ुर्शीद पर शबनम"
👉 यह आश्चर्य की बात है कि तेज़ गर्मी वाले सूरज पर भी शबनम बैठ गई। जहाँ गर्मी होनी चाहिए वहाँ भी नमी का टिकना इश्क़ की तासीर की गहराई को दर्शाता है।

"हमें तो बाग़ तुझ बिन ख़ाना-ए-मातम नज़र आया
इधर गुल फाड़ते थे जैब, रोती थी उधर शबनम"
👉 बाग़ तो हरा-भरा है लेकिन महबूब के बिना जैसे मातम सा महसूस होता है। फूल अपने दामन फाड़ रहे हैं और ओस की बूंदें रो रही हैं।

"करे है कुछ से कुछ तासीर-ए-सोहबत साफ़ तबओं की
हुई आतिश से गुल की बैठते रश्क-ए-शरर शबनम"
👉 अच्छी संगत का असर अलग ही होता है। फूल की गर्मी से जलकर भी शबनम उस पर बैठती है, और चिंगारी भी उससे रश्क करती है।

"नहीं अस्बाब कुछ लाज़िम सुबुकसारों के उठने को
गई उड़ देखते अपने बग़ैर-अज़-बाल-ओ-पर शबनम"
👉 जो हल्के होते हैं उन्हें उड़ने के लिए किसी सहारे की ज़रूरत नहीं। शबनम भी बिना परों के उड़ गई।

"न समझा 'दर्द' हम ने भेद याँ की शादी ओ ग़म का
सहर ख़ंदाँ है, क्यूँ रोती है किस को याद कर शबनम"
👉 हम ये भेद कभी समझ ही नहीं पाए कि यहाँ खुशी और ग़म एक साथ कैसे होते हैं। सुबह तो मुस्कुरा रही है, लेकिन शबनम किसकी याद में रो रही है?

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संगीतबद्ध करने का मेरा अनुभव

इस ग़ज़ल को मैंने अपने ऐल्बम Virasat – The Legacy of Legends में स्वरबद्ध और रिकॉर्ड किया है।

क्लासिकल बहर, गहरी संवेदना और ख़ूबसूरत imagery को संगीत में पिरोना मेरे लिए एक आत्मिक यात्रा जैसा रहा। शब्दों के भीतर छुपे दर्द को सुरों में ढालना कभी आसान नहीं होता, लेकिन यही चुनौती इस ग़ज़ल को गाते समय मुझे खास अनुभव देती है।

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Virasat – The Legacy of Legends

Virasat – The Legacy of Legends मेरे दिल के बेहद करीब एक प्रोजेक्ट है। इसमें मैंने उर्दू शायरी के उन रचनाकारों की ग़ज़लों को चुना है, जिन्हें कम सुना गया लेकिन जिनकी शायरी अपने आप में बेमिसाल है।

ख़्वाजा मीर दर्द, असगर गोंडवी, ब्रिज नारायण चकबस्त, क़ुली क़ुतुब शाह, और कई अन्य शायरों की ग़ज़लों को नए संगीतात्मक स्वरूप में प्रस्तुत करना मेरा एक विनम्र प्रयास है, ताकि इस विरासत को आज की पीढ़ी भी महसूस कर सके।

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अंत में...

"शबनम की भीगी बूंदों में छुपा इश्क़ का एहसास

सुबह की रौशनी में भी कभी कभी आँसू टिमटिमाते हैं।"

उम्मीद है इस ग़ज़ल को सुनते हुए आपको भी वही भीगापन महसूस होगा जो इसे गाते समय मेरे सुरों में बस जाता है।

🎶 Immerse yourself in Khwaja Meer Dard’s timeless poetry, composed & sung by me. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube & more.

[ Spotify] [Apple] 

👉 Watch on YouTube

🎼 Full Lyrics:

चमन में सुब्ह ये कहती थी हो कर चश्म-ए-तर शबनम
बहार-ए-बाग़ गो यूँ ही रही लेकिन किधर शबनम

अरक़ की बूँद उस की ज़ुल्फ़ से रुख़्सार पर टपकी
तअज्जुब की है जागह ये पड़ी ख़ुर्शीद पर शबनम

हमें तो बाग़ तुझ बिन ख़ाना-ए-मातम नज़र आया
इधर गुल फाड़ते थे जैब, रोती थी उधर शबनम

करे है कुछ से कुछ तासीर-ए-सोहबत साफ़ तबओं की
हुई आतिश से गुल की बैठते रश्क-ए-शरर शबनम

नहीं अस्बाब कुछ लाज़िम सुबुकसारों के उठने को
गई उड़ देखते अपने बग़ैर-अज़-बाल-ओ-पर शबनम

न समझा 'दर्द' हम ने भेद याँ की शादी ओ ग़म का
सहर ख़ंदाँ है, क्यूँ रोती है किस को याद कर शबनम