K L Saigal (1904-1947)

Profile          Discography

Profile

The pre independence period in Ghazals belongs firmly to Kundanlal Saigal.

Kundanlal Saigal was never formally trained in music. Born on 4-4-1904, he was something of an aimless young man who took up odd jobs as a Remington typewriter service man or railway time-keeper. He sang as a hobby, getting small concerts here and there. It was by pure chance that the Calcutta company, Hindustan Records, paid him Rs 25 to do a recording, hoping to sell a few hundred records. Within days they sold five lakh (500 thousand).

And soon he became a singing acting sensation the likes of whom hindi film industry has not seen since.

Because of absolutely careless lifestyle and 6-to-6 drinking binges he died at the age of 42. Within this short life span he left a rich legacy and his own style of Ghazals which was carried forward by many well known ghazal singers, including Talat Mehmood.

Discography

In alphabetical order of the title

Title	Music / recording	Contents	Label	Year
Ghazals Of K.L. Saigal Vol.5		Baqadr-E-Shouk Ikrare Wafa, Ishq Khud Mavile Hi Jab, Phir Mujhe Didaye Tar, Layi Hayat Aye QATA Le, Ab Kya Bataun Main, Har Ek Baat Pe Khate Ho, Main Unhen Chhedun, Woh Aake Khwab Men, Koun Virane Men Dekhega, Etc. (Add)	Inreco Pyramid
Kundan Saigal: The Immortal - 3 CD Set "Dard, Jazbat, Guldasta"		Collection of his film songs	Inreco Pyramid