04 May,2011 10:24 AM IST | | Urmimala Banerjee
Though Jagjit Singh isn't chatty per se, he is warm and humourous once he settles into a conversation. Even though he's in his 70s, the singer is as busy as ever.
He has recently sung for an album Padaro Mhare Dess that celebrates Rajasthan and is preparing for a concert on May 10.
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In a nostalgic mood, Jagjit reminisces about Rajasthan and tells CS about his secret to staying fit and young at heart:
Rural connect
I spent my childhood in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, and did a part of my schooling from Bikaner. One of my most vivid memories is of the sandstorms. I used to travel by train to Bikaner, and the rail tracks would get covered by sand when a sandstorm blew.
All the passengers would alight from the train and start clearing the tracks so that the train could start again. I hope you guys know the joke that the sand of Bikaner is mixed into the popular Bikaneri Bhujia. The sand has a distinct taste (laughs).
Musically, Rajasthan is famous for its Mand-style of singing, which has a classical base. I grew up on Rajasthani folk music and film songs. Rajasthan is rich in history and heritage. Every place in the state has a 200-year old history stories of love, valour, pride, betrayal and relationships. It lends a different feel to Rajasthan's folk music.
Concerts aaj kal
Contrary to popular belief, there is a loyal audience for ghazal concerts in every Indian city. I had around 6,500 people at my last show in Gurgaon. I don't plan out my concert performances; I sing what I am asked to.
The audience favourites are Chahe Daulat Bhi Le Lo, Tum Ko Dekha To Yeh Khayal Aya, Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho, which I have to sing at every show.
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In my younger days, I remember the crowds hooting during some of the shows, but that has changed. Today, people appreciate the poetry of ghazal a lot more. And yes, the audience reaction or compliments still matter to me.
If I don't get a reaction from the listeners, I feel that something was perhaps missing in my performance.u00a0
In the masters' league
Though I am 70 now, I still feel like a youngster at heart. You can excel even in your latter years if you have the right amount of focus towards your work. I make sure that I lead a healthy lifestyle. I avoid late night parties and eating stuff that isn't good for me.
I get up at 7am and head for a walk without fail. I also riyaz daily for an hour. The quality of your singing depends on your vocal muscles. Daily practise helps me maintain my standard of singing.
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I will quit the day I feel that I am unable to sing well. It's always been my wish to quit when I am at the peak of my career. I have great admiration for Sunil Gavaskar who retired right at the top; I hope Sachin Tendulkar does the same.
