Pix: Bollywood pays its last respects to Jagjit Singh

Several film personalities came down to Chandanwadi crematorium in Marine Lines, South Mumbai, at noon on Tuesday to say their last goodbyes to ghazal singer Jagjit Singh, who passed away early Monday morning.

Sonu Nigam appeared visibly upset as he spoke of the late singer. "We know ghazals only because of one man -- Jagjit Singh. It's such sad news that he is not present among us today. The loss is irreparable. He was such a lively person. I am shocked. I don't know how he succumbed to his illness. A few days ago, there was news that the hospital had removed the ventilators and his health was improving. His contribution not only to music but the world of entertainment is priceless. He was not only a ghazal singer but he also sang spiritual songs, bhajans and gurbanis. He also sang romantic Hindi film songs.

"He is the only person who has never seen a downfall in his career. Every actor and singer must face downfall but Jagjit Singh just kept rising. He was so active; he sang till the age of 70. I had met him recently during the voting of the GIMA awards. I'd pulled his cheeks and had so much fun. I didn't know we would be meeting for the last time. He was planning to go for a tour to America next year," Sonu added.

Singer Mika arrived with noted ghazal singer Ghulam Ali.

"I have so many memories of Jagjit Singh," Ghulam Ali said. "I have memories of performing together, having long chats. I knew Jagjit since 1976 and we always kept in touch. For me, people like him will always stay alive. He was God's special child. He took ghazals to a different level. Just last month, we had performed in Delhi. I had no clue that he would take ill soon. These things cannot be predicted. It's a huge loss for all of us."

Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas arrived with his wife Farida.

Shaan was spotted along with music director Lalit Pandit.

"We have lost our magnificent ghazal maestro and a wonderful human being," Shaan said. "It is one of the saddest days for music lovers."

Close friends Gulzar and Vishal Bhardwaj arrived together for the funeral.

"I don't have any words to say," said music director Anandji of Kalyanji-Anandji fame. "He sang such beautiful ghazals, which will always remain with us. We lived in the same vicinity at Peddar Road. It's a huge loss."

Ghazal singer Roop Kumar Rathod accompanied him.

Director Madhur Bhandarkar took a break from his film Heroine to pay his last respects to Jagjit Singh. Filmmaker Yash Chopra was also spotted.

Music composer Shekher Ravjiani and singer Kailash Kher also mourned the loss of Jagjit Singh.

Pandit Jasraj arrived with his daughter Durga and singer Ila Arun.

Actors Raj Babbar and Kabir Bedi were among the mourners.