Veteran singer Bhupinder Singh breathed his last on July 18 at a Mumbai hospital. The singer, 82, was suffering from a colon ailment and had tested positive for Coronavirus a few days ago. He died after suffering a cardiac arrest on Monday evening.

The Amritsar-born musician began his career in Delhi with performances at the All India Radio. He was known for making use of drums, bass and guitar in his ghazals. He sang some memorable songs in Hindi films, including Kisi Nazar Ko Tera Intezar (Aitbaar), Dil Dhoondta Hai (Mausam), Naam Gum Jayega (Kinara), Karoge Yaad To (Bazaar), Ek Akela Is Shaher Mein and Do Deewane Shehar Mein (Gharaonda) and many more. He was discovered by music director Madan Mohan, who brought him to Mumbai and gave him his first song Hoke Majboor Mujhe Usne Bulaya Hoga (Haqeeqat). He also has albums like Aarzoo, Gulmohar and Ghazal Ke Phool with wife, singer Mitali Singh to his credit.

Remembering the singer and the bond they shared, Asha Bhosle said, “Bahut hi bura lag raha hai yeh sunke ke woh nahi raha. Industry ke bahut acche-acche log iss saal chale gaye. Bhupinder Singh ke saath Pancham (R D Burman) aur meri bahut purnani jaan pehchaan thi. We have known him since he first sang for Madan Mohan ji. Hum usko Bhupi bulate the. Woh bahut accha dost tha Pancham ka; jab bhi aata tha, he would stay till evening. He was a good man.”

Bhupinder Singh was also a fine guitarist and had played the guitar for a few songs. Asha Bhosle recalled, “Bhupi had played the guitar for Dum Maro Dum (Hare Rama Hare Krishna) and Chura Liya (Yaadon Ki Baaraat), both composed by Pancham. I remember we sang Bappi Lahiri’s songs…bahut accha daur tha woh. Together, we have have also sung songs penned by Gulzar bhai. Pancham’s Jab Andhera Hota Hai from the film Raja Rani (1973) was sung by Bhupi and me. He sang the aalap there. I don’t think the younger generation has heard this song; we used to perform this song at our shows.”

Talking about their rapport, she said, “There was a film starring Jaya Bhaduri, and I had sung a song with Bhupi for the film. Bhupi had a different style of singing. He would sing songs in the ghazal style – bahut accha gata tha aur alag hi style mein gata tha. I would always tell him, ‘Bhupi, tu muh khol ke gaa. Don’t sing like ghazal singers, open your mouth and sing.’ He would tell me, ‘Haan Masterni, sikhao ab mujhe.’ He was such a fabulous guitar player – there was no one like him. When a singer plays the guitar, he adds to the song. But then he quit playing the guitar as he said that he wanted to only be a playback singer. If he would’ve remained a musician, he would have surpassed everyone.”

He is survived by his wife Mitali Singh and son Nihal.