‘The man with velvet voice’ Bhupinder Singh dies at 82; PM Modi, Ajay Devgn express grief

Renowned ghazal singer Bhupinder Singh breathed his last on Monday at a hospital in Mumbai. The 82-year-old singer succumbed to suspected colon cancer and Covid-19-related complications. His death was announced by his wife Mitali Singh.

Bhupinder Singh was not only known for his ghazals but was also widely popular as a Bollywood playback singer with numerous chartbusters such as ‘Duniya Chhute Yaar Na Chhute’ from the 1982 classic ‘Dharam Kanta’ and ‘Huzoor Is Kadar’ from ‘Masoom’ (1983).

Throughout his career, Bhupinder collaborated with several noted music composers and singers. He had worked with Mohammed Rafi, R D Burman, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle and Bappi Lahiri, etc.


Bhupinder had also sung with iconic playback singer Lata Mangeshkar for songs such as ‘Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Aasman’, ‘Dil Dhoondta Hai’, and ‘Naam Gum Jayega’.

The singer’s wife told PTI that he was admitted to the hospital for about 10 days. Following several tests, he was diagnosed with Covid-19. He passed away at around 7:45 pm.




“He was admitted to the hospital eight to ten days ago as he had some infection in the urine. After tests were performed, he tested positive for COVID-19. He passed away at around 7.45 pm due to suspected colon cancer and had COVID-19," Mitali Singh, also a singer, was quoted as saying by the news portal.

Bhupinder is survived by a son and his wife. He had also sung numerous songs with his wife Mitali.

Following the news of his death, tributes poured in from all quarters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to his Twitter account to express his grief. He said that his thoughts are with the family members and admirers of the singer.

"Anguished by the passing away of Shri Bhupinder Singh Ji, who has given memorable songs for decades. His works struck a chord with several people. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti," PM Modi's tweet read.
Apart from the Prime Minister, several musicians and Bollywood celebrities expressed their grief. "With a voice of from a gentler time," wrote composer Vishal Dadlani.
“Deeply saddened about the demise of Bhupinder ji. His voice brought joy to millions and had a uniqueness. Condolences to his family. RIP Bhupinder ji, Om Shanti," wrote Ajay Devgn on his Twitter account.
Popular actor Shekhar Suman praised the late singer as 'the man with a velvet voice' in his tweet.
Bhupinder began his career with All India Radio and was also associated with Delhi Doordarshan Centre for some time. The 82-year-old had expertise in playing guitar and violin. His journey towards playback singing began when he was reportedly spotted by late music composer Madan Mohan at dinner in 1962. The chance meeting led Bhupinder to Mumbai and he lent his voice to the song ‘Hoke Majboor Mujhe Usne Bulaya Hoga’ in the film ‘Haqeeqat’.