Ghazal maestro and musician Bhupinder Singh no more

Noted playback singer, ghazal maestro and musician Bhupinder Singh passed away today at 7:45 pm in Mumbai's Criticare hospital. The 82-year-old singer voiced scores of memorable Bollywood numbers.

"He was suffering from several health complications, including urinary issues since some time," his wife Mitali Singh (formerly known as Mitali Mukherjee) told Indian media.

Born on February 6, 1940 in Amritsar, Bhupinder 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. He gave his voice to the song "Hoke Majboor Mujhe Usne Bulaya Hoga" with Mohammed Rafi, Talat Mahmood and Manna Dey in Chetan Anand's "Haqeeqat". He was given his solo break in the film "Aakhri Khat".

The artiste is remembered for his unforgettable voice in "Mausam", "Satte Pe Satta", "Ahista Ahista", "Dooriyan" and "Haqeeqat" 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 beautiful Bengali tracks, including "Kobe Je Kothay", "Keu Bhul Kore", "O Amar Monjusa" and "Tomay Cheye Ar Na Chawa".

He was known for his deep, bass-like voice and unmatchable work ethic.

As a guitarist, he lent his talent to 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 Mukherjee, as his appearances in films became sporadic. He is also survived by his son Nihal Singh, who is also a talented musician.