World Cancer Day: ‘There Was Always Music Beside Her Bed,’ Says Abhijeet Ghoshal

On World Cancer Day, playback singer and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa fame Abhijeet Ghoshal reflects on how his mother’s long battle with cancer profoundly changed the way he views music, life and loss. What began as a deeply personal journey of grief has since evolved into a larger mission,using music to bring comfort to those facing illness, old age and their most vulnerable moments.

Following his mother’s passing, Ghoshal began singing not only for terminally ill cancer patients but also for bed-ridden elderly residents in old age homes. Over time, these intimate performances grew into a quiet calling, rooted in empathy and lived experience.

Recalling those years, Ghoshal says, “Back in 2007, my mother was very scared. Lying on the bed for years together, she would often say, ‘Because of me, your singing and music will slowly come to an end.’ But even after 19 years of her demise, if I am still singing today in a much more elaborated way, it is only because of her blessings.”

Music, he shares, became a source of strength during his mother’s most difficult days. A speaker was always placed beside her bed at home. “No one ever spoke about illness or cancer around her,” he recalls. “We happily sang and played the songs she loved. Even when she was in a coma-like stage, we continued with music. Her body could not respond, but her soul could still hear everything.”

Cancer has been a recurring presence in Ghoshal’s family. His maternal grandfather, mother, aunt Vidushi Swapna Pal, and his closest sister Dr. Rachna Dwivedi all battled the disease. These experiences, he says, reshaped his understanding of mortality. “I believe everyone has their own path towards the end of life. A person suffering from cancer goes through immense pain, and I accept this reality calmly,” he reflects.

In 2016, when doctors confirmed there was no chance of recovery for his aunt,who was also his guru,Ghoshal chose to honour her life through music rather than mourning in silence. “As a composer and as a student, I felt this was the best tribute I could give her,” he says. “I do not believe respect (shraddha) should be shown only after someone passes away.” He organised a concert titled Guru Hi Aseese, where only her compositions were performed by her former students, in her presence.

Ghoshal emphasises that his performances extend beyond cancer care. “I also sing for terminally ill and bed-ridden people because my mother herself was bed-ridden for a long time,” he explains. “If my music can give even a little comfort to someone on that day, then this is the work God has given me.”

Currently, Abhijeet Ghoshal is touring across India, performing a blend of Bollywood melodies and devotional music. A Clef Music Award winner for his song Damroo Bajaye, he continues to focus on devotional compositions and bhajan clubbing, while enchanting audiences with popular film songs,carrying forward a legacy shaped by love, loss and healing through music.