Bhupinder Singh was a renowned Indian playback singer, ghazal singer, musician and composer, celebrated for his deep, distinctive and soulful voice. He became particularly known for his work in Hindi cinema and ghazal music, while also being an accomplished guitarist.
Some of his most memorable songs include “Dil Dhoondta Hai,” “Naam Gum Jaayega,” “Ek Akela Is Shaher Mein,” “Beeti Na Beetai Raina,” “Do Deewane Shaher Mein,” “Kisi Nazar Ko Tera Intezar Aaj Bhi Hai” and “Huzoor Is Kadar Bhi Na Itra Ke Chaliye.”
Bhupinder Singh, also known as Bhupi, was born on 6 February 1940 in Amritsar, Punjab, British India. He grew up in a musical family, with his father Natha Singh being a musician and one of his early musical influences.
In the early part of his career, Bhupinder worked as a casual artist for All India Radio in Delhi and was also associated with Doordarshan. He developed considerable skill as a guitarist and became proficient with instruments including the Hawaiian, Spanish and electric guitar.
His career took a major turn when music director Madan Mohan heard him perform in Delhi and invited him to Bombay. He received one of his important early opportunities with the song “Hoke Majboor Mujhe Usne Bulaya Hoga” from Haqeeqat (1964), which he performed alongside Mohammed Rafi, Talat Mahmood and Manna Dey.
Bhupinder subsequently became an important voice in Hindi film music. His unusual baritone voice gave songs a distinctive emotional quality, particularly songs portraying loneliness, longing and introspection.
Among his most remembered performances is “Dil Dhoondta Hai” from Mausam. He also sang “Beeti Na Beetai Raina” from Parichay, “Naam Gum Jaayega” from Kinara and “Do Deewane Shaher Mein” from Gharonda.
Bhupinder was also an accomplished instrumentalist and worked with leading composers and musicians, including R. D. Burman. His guitar work became part of the sound of several Hindi-film recordings, and he was associated with some of the most influential musical arrangements of his era.
He later became closely associated with ghazal singing. He formed a successful musical partnership with his wife, Mitali Singh, a Bangladeshi-born singer. Together they performed ghazals on television and at concerts and released several albums.
Bhupinder's discography includes albums such as Aarzoo, Chandani Raat, Gulmohar, Ghazal Ke Phool, Ek Arzoo and Surmayi Raat.
Bhupinder Singh passed away in Mumbai on 18 July 2022, at the age of 82. He had been experiencing health complications, and his death was reported by major Indian news organisations.