‘I feel lucky to be able to perform at Jagjitji’s favourite venue, Siri Fort’
My love for Jagjit Singh’s music started when I was nine. When I was 11, the whole world was listening to pop and I was listening to Jagjit Singhji,” says singersongwriter-composer Shekhar Ravjiani. The musician will be in Delhi, today, to pay a tribute to the late ghazal legend Jagjit Singh, as part of a fundraiser music concert, Hazaaron Khwahishein Aisi.
The mention of Jagjit Singh takes Shekhar back to his childhood. “He was my dad’s friend, and used to come home often and mentor me. The first time he came home and saw me play the piano, he called me for his recording. [At the recording] I sat there for the entire day. Then one day, he called me to his house saying, ‘Riyaz karne aa ja’ and I went... I used to go to his house, and he even invited me to his concerts. I have attended more than 150 of his concerts! He was the one who took me to Ustad Niaz Ahmed Khan, and said, ‘Ye mera bachcha hai… Please teach him’,” says Shekhar, reminiscing his “strong association” with Singh.
It’s due to such a strong influence that Shekhar has been celebrating the late legend’s music for the past two years. And now, he’s excited to bring this show to Delhi.
“When we conceptualised this show, I asked the organisers, ‘People know me as the boy who sings Chammak Challo, Ishq Wala Love, and Radha. Will they come to hear me sing ghazals?’ The first show (held in Singapore) was houseful, thereafter, the response was so good that now we are in Delhi. It’s for a noble cause, to support underprivileged children as Salaam Baalak Trust commemorates its 30th anniversary,” says Shekhar, who supports various NGOs.
“I have been associating myself with a lot of children. I like to spend time with them and share my knowledge with them. I get a lot of energy from them, and like to see success stories… All they need is love,” he says, adding that he’s especially excited about his Delhi performance because “Jagjitji had a lot of friends, family, and fans in Delhi. And Siri Fort Auditorium — where we are playing — used to be one of his favourite venues. He must have done close to 400500 shows here. I feel lucky to be able to perform at Jagjitji’s favourite venue.”