Legendary ghazal singer Bhupinder Singh who lent his soulful voice for songs such as "Naam Gum Jayega" and "Dil Dhoondta Hai" took his last breath on Monday. He passed away due to suspected colon cancer and Covid-19 related complications, said his wife Mitali Singh. He was unwell for the past six months.

The 82-year old singer dedicated decades to Hindi film industry. He was best known for popular songs such as "Do Diwane Shehar Mein", "Ek Akela is Shehar Mein", "Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Aasman", "Duniya Chhute Yaar Na Chhute" and "Karoge Yaad Toh", among others.

His wife and veteran singer Mitali said the renowned artist was admitted in the hospital as he complained about urine infection. That's where he was tested positive for Covid-19.

"He was admitted to the hospital eight to ten days ago as he had some infection in the urine. After tests were performed, he tested positive for COVID-19. He passed away at around 7.45 pm due to suspected colon cancer and had COVID-19," Mitali Singh said. The Amritsar-born singer is survived by his Indian-Bangladeshi wife and a son.

Over a five-decade-long career, Singh had worked with the who's who of Bollywood music industry. From Mohammed Rafi, RD Burman, Madan Mohan, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Gulzar to Bappi Lahiri, his talent was appreciated by all of them, among others. Bhupinder began his career at All India Radio station in Delhi as a singer and musician. Madan Mohan spotted him during one of the radio gatherings and was called to Mumbai.

The Chetan Anand directorial 'Haqeeqat' marked his debut as a singer where he lenthis voice for Mohan-composed song "Hoke Majboor Mujhe Usne Bulaya Hoga" along with Mohammed Rafi, Talat Mahmood and Manna Dey. The ghazal singer got his first solo track two years later with "Rut Jawan Jawan Raat Mehrbaan" in the Khayyam-composed feature film "Aakhri Khat".


After he got married to Mitali, Singh stepped back from mainstream singing. The duo started making independent albums.

Apart from singing, Bhupinder was also a fantastic guitarist. He composed the guitar in several popular tracks including, "Dum Maaro Dum", "Chura Liya Hai", "Chingari Koi Bhadke" and "Mehbooba O Mehbooba", among others.

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde expressed his grief and condolences. "With the demise of Bhupinder Singh, we have lost an artist whose voice was revered by audiences. His voice made several ghazals immortal and unforgettable. His songs will continue to resonate in the minds of the audiences," said the CM.

Along with this, many other Bollywood singers such as Harshdeep Kaur, Ankur Tewari and Swanand Kirkire expressed their shock and condolences. We lost yet another gem of Bollywood.

The cremation will take place tonight at 12:30 AM at Oshiwara crematorium. Rest in peace Bhupinder Ji. You will be missed.