NEW DELHI:  February 8th, the birth anniversary of one of the best known ghazal singers in the world, Jagjit Singh, is to be marked as 'Ghazal Day'.

Making this announcement in a press meet in Mumbai, three singing legends - Anup Jalota, Talat Aziz and Chitra Singh – were unanimous that memories of the late legend were still fresh in the memories of not only south Asia but the entire Indian Diaspora.

The performers at the Ghazal meet in Mumbai will be Anup Jalota, Talat Aziz, Runa Rizvi and Surinder Khan.

Jalota said Jagjit Singh was a maestro who deserves a Bharat Ratna for the art of Ghazal singing. "Jagjit Singhji is still alive in his music and his fans enjoy his music as much as they enjoyed it when he was alive. We wish to make him immortal by celebrating his birth anniversary as a legendary Ghazal night," he added.

Aziz remembered Jagjit Singh as a very friendly and encouraging person who had helped him to sing when he was in college and was not very confident about singing. He said, "Jagjitji held the mic for me as I sang in a private function held at my residence. He invited me to Mumbai and I did some of the earliest works of my career with him." Aziz described him as 'ajeeb' (rare personality) unique in his way and approach as he was very informal, candid and friendly and could create a special bonding with everybody he met. He has throughout been a true friend and inspiration for me. With this Ghazal night I wish to pay my tribute to him."

Fondly remembering Jagjit Singh, Chitra Singh said she would pay her respects to her husband and share some rare memorieson his birth anniversary.

Harpreet Singh Banga, the mind behind the live concert, said, "The idea for a live Ghazal concert had been in my mind for more than two years. All thanks to the support of the Jalota Welfare Foundation that I have been able to materialise the thought. Funds generated by the concert will help many needy and under-privileged people of the society.