Tytler was born(b. August 17, 1944 as Jagdish Kapoor) in Gujranwala (now in Pakistan), to a Hindu father (Kapoor family) and Sikh mother.

He was highly influenced by Mr. James Douglas Tytler and therefore, to show his gratitude towards Mr. James Douglas Tytler he acquired his surname. Since then Jagdish Kapoor was called Jagdish Tytler. He still belongs to Sikh community. He got married according to Sikh customs.