This comprehensive biography explores the life and career of the renowned Indian singer, Jagjit Kaur, wife of the legendary music composer Khayyam. Her remarkable journey, marked by both personal joys and sorrows, is detailed below.
Wiki/Biography
Jagjit Kaur was born in 1931 in Punjab, India. From a young age, she displayed a deep passion for films and music, actively participating in school cultural events. This early exposure laid the foundation for her future career.
Family, Caste & Husband
Born into a respected Punjabi Zamindar family, she married the esteemed music composer Mohammed Zahur Khayyam in 1954. The couple had one son, Pradeep Khayyam, who sadly passed away from a heart attack in 2012. This loss deeply impacted her life.
Career
Her singing debut was in the Punjabi film “Posti” (1950). Her Bollywood debut followed in “Dil-E-Nadaan” (1953), where she sang three songs composed by Ghulam Mohammed. While these early roles didn’t bring widespread recognition, they marked the start of her journey.
A decade after marrying Khayyam, she achieved a significant milestone with the song “Tum Apna Ranj-O-Gham” from the film “Shagoon” (1964). This song became a defining moment in her career.
Famous Songs
Jagjit Kaur’s musical contributions included a diverse range of songs, showcasing her versatility and talent:
- “Kahmosh Zindagi Ko Afsaanaa Mil Gayaa” from “Dil-e-Nadan (1953)”
- “Pehle To Ankh Milana” from “Shola Aur Shabnam (1961)”
- “Tum Apna Rang-o-Gham Apni Pareshani Mujhe De Do” from “Shagoon (1964)”
- “Dekho Dekho Ji Gori Sasural Chali” from “Shagoon (1964)”
- “Nain Milake Pyar Jata Ke Aag Laga Dee” from “Mera Bhai Mera Dushman (1967)”
- “Chale Aao Saiyan Rangeele Main Vaari Re” (with Pamela Chopra) from “Bazaar (1982)”
- “Dekh Lo Aaj Humko Jee Bhar Ke” from “Bazaar (1982)”
- “Kaahe Ko Byahi bides” from “Umrao Jaan (1981)”
- “Saada Chidiya Da Chamba Vai” from “Kabhi Kabhi (1976)”
Address
7th Floor, Dakshina Apartments, Juhu, Mumbai
Favourite Things
Here’s a glimpse into Jagjit Kaur’s preferences:
| Category | Favourites |
|---|---|
| Poets | Kaifi Azmi, Sahir Ludhianvi, Shakeel Badayuni |
| Singers | Asha Bhosle, Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi |
Death
Jagjit Kaur passed away peacefully at her Mumbai residence on August 15, 2021, at the age of 93, due to age-related illness. Her cremation took place at Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle, Mumbai.
Facts
Jagjit Kaur was known for her distinctive rustic voice and remarkable skill in folk music. Experts praised her vocal range and mellow finish. Her singing career began with “Posti (1950),” a film that also featured Asha Bhosle.
Khayyam discovered her talent at a music concert and invited her to sing in “Shola Aur Shabnam (1961).” Their collaboration marked the beginning of a long and successful musical partnership.
Their first meeting was memorable, with an initial misunderstanding due to an unplanned encounter at Dadar Railway Station. Despite her father’s disapproval, Jagjit Kaur and Khayyam married in one of the early inter-communal marriages within the film industry.
Even with a relatively shorter singing career, she made a significant impact, leaving behind a treasure trove of timeless melodies. Her songs are highly regarded for their quality and emotional depth.
Despite her success, she remained humble. Even after singing the iconic “Tum Apna Ranj-O-Gham,” Khayyam didn’t always actively promote her to producers. In her later years, she and Khayyam established the Khayyam Jagjeet Kaur KPG Charitable Trust to support struggling artists and technicians.
Interestingly, Jagjit Kaur was a classmate of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. In 2006, he took time from his busy schedule to visit the couple.
In 2019, Khayyam suffered a fall at home, leading to a health scare for both him and Jagjit. Their hospitalization together highlighted their deep bond.
