Not out at seventy

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.

Not out at seventy

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.