As an actor-singer, Saigal attained unprecedented fame and popularity through New Theaters' productions, beginning with Chandidas in 1934, and followed by a number of other box office hits. However, he had won acclaim from knowledgeable music lovers after the release of his first recording Jhulna Jhulao by Hindustan Records of Calcutta in 1932.

Saigal is best remembered as the 'Ghazal King' by connoisseurs of music who seldom went to cinema. The first ghazal he sang and which created a countrywide sensation was Ghalib's Nukta-chin hai game-dil in Yahudi Ki Ladki released in 1933.

Not belonging to any gharana and without any formal training, Saigal stunned the music maestros of his time with his instinctive knowledge of the ragas and his regal and resonant voice.

Saigal loved Urdu poetry and he created a new fusion of the music and the poetry. His musical interpretation of the ghazal gave a new form and content to the meaning of the verse. He played with words in a singular manner, producing an amazing array of emotions and sentiments. He seemed to share the joys and sorrows as spelt out in the words. Many Urdu poets like Zauk, Seemab, Bedam, Arzu and Hasarat became famous, thanks to Saigal's rendition of their poetry.

The great Mirza Ghalib was, however, Saigal's favourite. In his own inimitable way, Saigal immortalised Ghalib by singing his verses, interpreting the deep meaning of every syllable. It is through Saigal that Ghalib gained vast popularity even with the non-Urdu speaking audience. Again, it is Saigal's choice of Ghalib's ghazals, which found a place in the famous movie Mirza Ghalib, produced by Sohrab Modi in 1954 which continue to enchant listeners all over the subcontinent. No other singer has been able to match Saigal, who identified himself with the poet's thoughts and feelings. No wonder, the most popular ghazals of Ghalib till today are those which Saigal sang during the 1930s and 1940s.

A less known fact is that Saigal himself was a poet and is said to have recited his own compositions. No recordings are, however, available except the one Main baithi thi phulwari mein. In this song, Saigal highlights the divine presence within every human being and points out that it is the inner voice, which is revealed to us when we are frustrated with our search in the outer world.

Music was his life and soul. He sang for himself, more like a Sufi saint, finding in music the most effective instrument for sublime communion with the Ultimate.

Compiled by Cultural Correspondent