On the first Independence Day in 1947 Jagmohan – Sursagar was called to sing “Vandematram”. And is it not a great honour for him (Jagmohan) that our former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee was also his great fan and on some occasion Jagmohan gave tunes to Atalji’s poetry.
Jagmohan – Sursagar was a genius of Indian classical music, who preferred to keep out of crowd. He had immense dedication for classical music, which he demonstrated through his immortal songs “GEET”.
His was tragic beginning with a happy end! He was born on 3rd September, 1908, as a posthumous child. His father died two months before his birth in Chetla Kolkatta in a reported zamindar family. He was named Jaganmoy Mitra. He was brought up by his mother and grandfather, who told child Jaganmoy to call him (grandfather) “Borda”, means “elder brother”.
Although he was not very serious about school education, he passed matriculation exam in 1930 – which was then regarded as higher education and honoured by society in British Raj, good enough to get a job. But Jaganmoy was more inclined towards music, which was never taught to him in the past.
His interest in music was nurtured and nourished by his cousins at Allahabad – where Jaganmoy used to stay with his aunt (father’s sister). There he started learning music systematically. He learnt to play “Tabla” as well.
He then entered Bengal music competition, where he performed well and stood first in singing Dhrupad, Tappa, Thumri, Kirtan and religious music. In 1931 he joined All India Radio in Kolkota. He then participated in all India classical music competition and stood first. News papers covered this event and printed his name as “Jagmohan” instead of original name Jaganmoy Mitra.
He was very fortunate to learn classical music under Ustad Zamiruddin Khansaheb, Master Gama, Sambhu Maharaj, Dilipkumar Roy and Vishvanath Chetterjee. When Jagmohan was learning ‘Thumri’ from Sambhu Maharaj, he met K L Saigal who also came to learn “Babul Mora” for recording the song in film “Street Singer.”
Thereafter he was called by HMV to meet a great poet Kazi Nuru Islam. He was asked to sing a song, and Jagmohan sang a song which was written and tuned by himself. There, he also sung a song in Bengali, “Sawon O Rate Judi, Swarn Yeaashemori” means “If on a sawan night you happen to remember me.” This was Jagmohanji’s first song recorded under his original name “Jaganmoy Mitra”. This song made him instantly popular and thousands of records were sold. He was in his early 20s then, when he lost his grandfather. This was a tragic blow, which took his interest out of life and music.
At this time Kazi Nurul Islam consoled him and told him “Topreserve the griefin his heart, which will one day find expression – through his voice in his songs.” He had a great gift of voice and voice control.
Most of Jagmohanji’s songs evoke sentimental emotions and pathos!
Soon HMV seized the opportunity and started recording his songs in Hindi and Urdu – which brought instant popularity all over India, specially in Gujarat, MP, UP and Punjab. As a result in 1945 an established group of classical pundits of Kokata bestowed upon him the rare title of “Sur Sagar” – ocean of music.
Jagmohanji also participated in the struggle for freedom, when he was fortunate enough to come in close contact with Mahatma Gandhi. With Gandhiji’s inspiration and advice Jagmohanji made out a record for young people on “Sapta Kand Ramayan”. He was also one of the singers who recorded “Vandematarm” on Independence Day in 1947.
Jagmohanji sang a few songs for New Theatre's films like “Jawab.” His song in film “Meghdoot” was a great hit! “O Barsake Pahele Badal”. In this song clouds were addressed as messengers to carry a lover’s message to his beloved. A great poetic concept of poet Kalidas.
In mid 50s he was invited to Bombay by a film producer “V Shantaram”. Hence Jagmohanji shifted to Bombay – where he came in contact with famous producers like Gyan Mukherjee who asked him to give music in his film “Sardar.” To prepare one song Lata Mangeshkar used to visit Jagmohanji at his home.
The song “Pyarki Ye Talkiyan” became very popular and remained on top for many weeks in “Binaca Geetmala” produced by Amin Sayani.
Besides music, he was interested in social work and started youth club to promote Cricket and Badminton. He started Juhu Cultural Association at the age of 79 years.
As a human being he was very disciplined and friendly. He loved nature and also loved gardening.
His wife was also a singer – after her death (in 80s) Jagmohan was very upset and wanted to stop singing. But his wife used to tell him not to quit music – it would be highly rewarded one day. And it came true, when the nation honoured him with “Padmshree”.
Leaving all the memory and immortal songs, Jagmohanji left this world on 3rd September 2003 after a brief illness. Even though he died on 3rd September, he was cremated on 6th September, 2003, as his daughter arrived from London only on 5th September. This year was Jagmohanji’s 98th birth anniversary.
May God bestow peace to Jagmohanji's soul.
