Bhupinder Singh leaves void in Indian music industry

New Delhi: Veteran playback and ghazal singer Bhupinder Singh, best known for ‘Naam gum jayega’, ‘Dil Dhoondta Hai’, 'Huzoor is kadar na' among many other popular songs, passed away at a hospital in Mumbai, on Monday evening following a prolonged illness.

The news of his demise left everyone in a shock in the Indian film industry. Social media is flooded with the heartfelt condolences for the famous ghazal singer.

Born on February 6, 1940, in Amritsar, Punjab to Prof Natha Singhji, who himself was a trained vocalist and his early music teacher, Bhupinder Singh learned guitar and violin, and performed at the All India Radio (AIR) in Delhi, at the start of his career.

His big break came when music director Madan Mohan gave him a chance to sing the song ‘Hoke Majboor Mujhe Usne Bulaya Hoga’ with Mohammed Rafi, Talat Mahmood and Manna Dey in Chetan Anand's ‘Haqeeqat’.

Known for his unique voice in the industry, Bhupinder Singh had also sung some popular duets with Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi.

Bhupinder Singh had released some private albums, wherein he introduced the Spanish guitar, bass and drums to the ghazal style.

He got married to Indian-Bangladeshi singer Mitali Singh, and the duo produced many ghazal and geet cassettes together.

Their famous songs include "Dil Dhoondta hai", "Do diwane shahar mein", "Naam gum jayega", "Karoge yaad to", "Meethe bol bole", "Kabhi kisi ko mukammal", "Kisi nazar ko tera intezaar aaj bhi", and "Ek akela is Shehar Mein".

Their son Nihal Singh, who is also a musician.

As messages of condolence poured in, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: "Anguished by the passing away of Shri Bhupinder Singh Ji, who has given memorable songs for decades. His works struck a chord with several people. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti."

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari expressed deep grief over the demise of the veteran singer.

"The news of the demise of veteran playback singer Bhupinder Singh is deeply saddening.Gifted with a beautiful voice Bhupinder Singh gave us some of the most memorable songs and gazals. His soulful music will live on for many more years," the Governor tweeted.

Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also condoled the sad demise of Bhupinder Singh. He wrote, “Sad to hear about demise of veteran playback singer Bhupinder Singh ji. With his gifted voice he gave us many memorable songs. His contribution in the field of music will be remembered forever. My deepest condolences to his family, friends & fans.” (UNI)