On the 6th death anniversary of legendary Hindustani vocalist Pandit Jasraj, singer and bhajan maestro Anoop Jalota opened up about his deeply personal bond with the music legend, sharing memories that range from affectionate nicknames to a spontaneous, tearful gesture on a Hyderabad stage.

The 'Jamairaj' Bond

Anoop Jalota revealed that Pandit Jasraj had a special name for him — 'Jamairaj', meaning son-in-law — because Jalota's wife was a student of the classical maestro. The affection, however, ran deeper than a playful title.

'I have received a lot of love from him. He used to call me 'Jamairaj' because my wife used to learn music from him. He had a very good relationship with my father. We have a family relationship. And I hope it will remain so,' Jalota said.

The connection between the two musicians was thus both artistic and familial — a rare intertwining of discipleship, friendship, and kinship that spanned generations.

The Pearl Necklace Moment

Among the many memories Jalota holds close, one stands out with particular emotional weight. During a performance in Hyderabad, Pandit Jasraj was seated in the audience as Jalota sang his bhajan 'Kabhi kabhi bhagwan ko bhi bhakto se kam pade'.

'He was sitting in front of me, crying. I was singing, and tears were coming out of his eyes,' Jalota recalled. 'On the last line of the bhajan, he started crying and came to the stage. He was wearing a very beautiful pearl necklace. He took it off and put it on my neck. Today, I feel that this is the biggest blessing for me.'

The gesture — spontaneous, wordless, and deeply symbolic — encapsulates the reverence Pandit Jasraj commanded and the generosity with which he expressed it.

Remembering a 75-Year Legacy

Pandit Jasraj, who belonged to the Mewati gharana, built a performing and teaching career spanning 75 years. He earned global recognition and was honoured with several prestigious awards over the course of his life.

Reflecting on the anniversary, Jalota said: 'This is an opportunity to remember Panditji and to make our body and mind melodious. By remembering him, we are experiencing the sounds that resonate throughout our body.'

A Legacy That Endures

The outpouring of tributes on Pandit Jasraj's 6th death anniversary underscores how profoundly his music and mentorship shaped Indian classical and devotional traditions. For artists like Anoop Jalota, the memories are not merely nostalgic — they remain a living source of artistic inspiration. As the Mewati gharana continues to nurture new voices, the maestro's influence shows no sign of fading.