Veteran singer Bhupinder Singh dies at 82

Veteran film and ghazal singer Bhupinder Singh died on Monday evening after several health complications. He was 82. He is survived by his wife Mitali Singh and son Nihal Singh. 

Dr Deepak Namjoshi from Criticare Asia Hospital, Mumbai, told the news agency Press Trust of India (PTI), “Bhupinderji was admitted ten days back to our hospital. He had an infection. We had a strong suspicion that he had colon ailment and we were doing investigations. At the same time, he got COVID-19. His condition worsened on Monday morning and we had to put him on a ventilator. He got a cardiac arrest and passed away at 7.45 pm.” 

Singh was born in Amritsar, Punjab on 6 February 1940. He started off his career with All India Radio and later with Doordarshan. He was given his first break in Hindi cinema by music composer Madan Mohan for the film Haqeeqat (1964) with the song ‘Hoke Majboor Mujhe’ along with singers Mohammed Rafi, Talat Mahmood and Manna Dey. Singh bagged his first solo song ‘Rut Jawan Jawan’ with Aakhri Khat (1966). 

In the following decades, Singh became famous for being the voice behind some soulful and moving numbers like ‘Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi Fursat Ke Raat Din’ from Mausam (1975), ‘Ek Aleka Is Shehar Mein’ from Gharaonda (1977), ‘Naam Gum Jayega’ from Kinara (1977), ‘Aaj Bichhde Hain’ from Thodisi Bewafaii (1980), ‘Kisi Nazar Ko Tera Intezaar’ from Aitbaar (1985), ‘Badalon Se’ from Satya (1998), etc. Singh also released several private albums. 

He married the Bangladeshi singer Mitali Mukherjee in 1983. Their son Nihal is also a musician. 

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Singh’s death was mourned by India’s prime minister Narendra Modi. He 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.” 

Several other colleagues from the music industry offered their condolences.