Noted playback singer, ghazal maestro and musician Bhupinder Singh passed away yesterday at 7:45pm in Mumbai’s Criticare hospital.
The 82-year-old was known to be the voice of many a memorable Bollywood songs.
“He was suffering from several health complications, including bladder issues, for some time,” his wife and popular singer Mitali Mukherjee, now known as Mitali Singh, told Indian media.
Bhupinder, born on February 6, 1940 in Amritsar, performed on Delhi’s All India Radio at the beginning of his career, while also being associated with its famed Doordarshan Center.
He was also proficient in guitar and violin.
In 1962, music director Madan Mohan gave him his first break and called him to Bombay to lend his voice to the song “Hoke Majboor Mujhe Usne Bulaya Hoga” with Mohammed Rafi, Talat Mahmood and Manna Dey in Chetan Anand’s “Haqeeqat”.
Bhupinder was given his solo break in the film “Aakhri Khat”.
The artiste is remembered for his unforgettable works in films “Mausam”, “Satte Pe Satta”, “Ahista Ahista”, and “Dooriyan”, amongst many others.
A few among his many hits are “Dil Dhoondta Hai”, “Naam Gum Jaayega”, “Ek Akela Is Shaher Mein”, “Beeti Na Beetai Raina”, “Huzoor Is Kadar bhi na Itra ke Chaliye”, “Kisi Nazar Ko Tera Intezar Aaj Bhi Hai” and “Baadalon Se Kaat Kaat Ke”.
He also sang populst Bengali tracks, including “Kobe Je Kothay”, “Keu Bhul Kore”, “O Amar Monjusa” and “Tomay Cheye Ar Na Chawa”.
He was known for his deep voice and unmatchable work ethic.
As a guitarist, he played in classics like “Dum Maro Dum”, “Chura Liya Hain”, “Chalte Chalte”, “Mehbooba o Mehbooba” and “Chingari Koi Bhadke”.
In the mid-1980s, Bhupinder married the Bangladeshi singer Mitali. He is also survived by his son Nihal Singh, also a musician.
