Despite being visually impaired, Ravindra Jain gave a new identity to devotional music, his voice resonated in every home with the immortal hymns of 'Ramayan', and his legacy of melodies remains eternal even today.
Ravindra Jain: Whenever melodies are discussed in the world of Bollywood, the mention of those few great artists whose music touched not only films but also hearts is a must. One such divine personality was Ravindra Jain, whose eyes may not have had light, but his melodies had a world of light residing in them.
Ravindra Jain was not just a musician or singer; he was a bridge of devotion and emotion who awakened the feeling of spirituality and faith in the minds of millions of Indians. Especially through Ramanand Sagar's 'Ramayan', the hymns he sang worked such magic that they still resonate in every home in India – from 'Shriramcharitmanas Suni Leejai' to 'Bhaj Man Ramcharan Sukhdai'.
Visually impaired from birth, but blessed by Saraswati in spirit
Born on February 28, 1944, in the Kasganj town of Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh, Ravindra Jain had made music his support from childhood. Despite being visually impaired from birth, he did not give up and started seeing the world with the support of melodies. When his parents saw his interest in music, they left no stone unturned in giving him a music education.
As Ravindra Jain delved into the depths of classical music, he gradually created a wonderful blend of bhajans, film music, and folk music.
The arrival of melodies in Bollywood: The journey began with 'Saudagar'
In 1973, he entered Bollywood with the film 'Saudagar' and composed such music in his very first film that he attracted everyone's attention. After this, he gave one hit song after another in films like 'Chor Machaye Shor', 'Geet Gata Chal', 'Shatranj Ke Mohre'.
But 'Chitchor', released in 1976, gave him real recognition. The song 'Gori Tera Gaon Bada Pyara' from this film became an immortal song of Hindi film music. The innocence and simplicity of this song came from the depths of Ravindra Jain's soul.
Composed music in more than 123 films, every song became an example of emotion
Ravindra Jain not only sang but also composed music for many films. He worked in more than 123 films, and many songs composed by him are still in the hearts of listeners.
Whether it was 'Fakira Chal Chalachal', 'Janewale O Janewale' or songs like 'Dil Mein Tujhe Bithakar' – Ravindra Jain's soul spoke in every song. His musical compositions were always based on melody, simplicity, and pure emotion – this is what set him apart from the crowd.
The voice of devotion resonated in Ramayan: Hymns without which faith is incomplete
In 1987, when Ramanand Sagar's 'Ramayan' started airing on Doordarshan, a voice started resonating in every home – that voice was Ravindra Jain's.
He not only gave voice to the hymns of Ramayan but also transformed it into a spiritual musical journey.
His sung hymns like:
- 'Bhaj Man Ramcharan Sukhdai',
- 'Shriramcharitmanas Suni Leejai',
- 'Payal Baaje Hanuman Ki'
Still remain the identity of devotional music.
Ravindra Jain, at a time when devotional music was limited to temples, made it a part of every home's morning and evening through TV and radio.
Ravindra Jain: The end of an era, but the legacy of melodies is eternal
When Ravindra Jain passed away on October 9, 2015, a wave of grief swept through the hearts of music lovers. But even after his passing, his melodies are immortal.
His life is an example that the limitations of the body cannot stop the flight of talent. He proved that music is born not from the eyes, but from the soul.
