जयदेव की याद में मशहूर गायिका छाया गांगुली का लेख

Jaidev                                                                                                            02.08.2020

I feel blessed and fortunate to have met noble music director Jaidev ji during my formative years in the field of music. In the year 1978 he called me to sing 2 bhajans for TV Arohi - Janmashtami programme presented by renowned poet Pt. Narendra Sharma. The very first meeting with Jaidev ji made me feel at ease during the rehearsal, as if I was sitting with one of my own affectionate elderly family member.

I had just finished my college then and was working in the commercial wing of All India Radio. Soon after 6 months Jaidev ji called me again to sing for Film GAMAN. Since I was working and had to reach office by 10 am, Jaidev ji used to call me for rehearsals in the morning. Luckily his house was very close to my office. Apart from learning the composition, I was amazed by Jaidev jis extreme commitment, polished disciplined life style. He never kept me waiting. During the rehearsals sometimes eminent personalities used to drop in without appointment but he never stopped abruptly teaching me, rather I saw him politely telling his guests to wait for some time. This was an eye opener for me to respect everyone’s time. Whether you are a new comer or eminent personality he made everyone feel wanted. Never saw him discriminating anyone .A great quality you find only in truly awakened human beings.

In those days I was learning light classical music from my Guru Smt. Heeradevi Mishra of Varanasi. After her demise I started learning from renowned ghazal artiste Madhurani ji whom I met in Jaidev jis house for the first time .His house was like a pilgrimage of artistes from all spheres. He could easily connect with people from all walks of life and personalities of all levels, with his elegance and yet he never compromised in his firmness in dealing with situations.

 Jaidev jis music was like a Triveni Sangam deeply soaked in Classical - Light Classical, Bhakti and Folk rasa. This is because during his childhood he had heard lot of Folk music and Ramayan Paath from his mother. Later on he learnt shastriya sangeet from Prof. Barkat Rai and later became disciple of great musical giant sarod maestro Us. Ali Akbar Khan. He also assisted us. Ali Akbar Khan when he composed for Film Aandhiyan . Later on when Us. Ali Akbar khansaab shifted to Kolkata, Jaidev ji assisted one of the greatest music director of our times Shri Sachin Dev Burman till he started bagging films as composer independently.

Jaidev jis contribution in introducing new upcoming talents to the multi-dimensional world of playback singing has been immeasurable. He was an institution by himself. His love for literature was profound. He knew many languages. It is his deep understanding of sahitya and music made his compositions immortal. A great Guru. He taught us his compositions with lot of love and care to bring out the best from each singers retaining his or her originality. A true Karma Yogi “ever giving” “ever sharing” and “ever doing” for others expecting nothing in return. He encouraged us to stretch our potentials to its maximum. His compositions had a unique quality. One could fill up space with gayeki ang in each and every note.  His compositions were based in raga mostly in thumri ang which had a flowing quality of a river. He allowed us to add our own phrases that emerged naturally if sounded good.

I remember him telling me never expect anything from anyone, once you expect you will be sad. Always keep doing for others. A great Guru mantra I learnt. He not only inspired but enriched all of us. Gave a vision to lead a life with a purpose being deeply connected with music and divinity.

Will be ever grateful to Jaidev ji my Guru Guide Philosopher for inculcating in me – once  we are successfully tuned-in to our divine core and securely fastened to our moorings excellence in inner and outer worlds becomes inevitable.

                                                                                                     Chhaya Ganguli