New Delhi: Taking to Instagram, Pankaj Udhas’ daughter Nayaab shared a statement on Instagram which read, “With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on February 26, 2024 due to a prolonged illness.” The legendary singer passed away after a prolonged illness. Soon after Nayaab shared the news of the singer’s demise, his fans swamped the comment section and posted their condolences. A fan wrote, “May his soul rest in peace.”
“I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, stay strong and please accept my condolences,” another user wrote.
“Deepest Condolences and Prayers,” another user posted.
Timeless melodies of Pankaj Udhas
Who can forget the magical and intense voice behind ‘Chitthi Aayee Hai’? Veteran singer Pankaj Udhas is no more but his soulful voice is etched in the hearts of music lovers who will remember him for his timeless melodies. He passed away at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness. He left a legacy behind him that will always be there with his admirers and fans.
Pankaj Udhas was born in Jetpur in Gujarat on May 17, 1951. He was the youngest of three brothers. His parents are Keshubhai Udhas and Jituben Udhas. His eldest brother Manhar Udhas used to sing in Bollywood movies and his second brother Nirmal Udhas is also a well-known Ghazal singer. Apart from ghazals, he was also known for his works in movies.
His first solo ghazal album ‘Aahat’ in 1980 gave him much recognition. Later, he went on to record several hits such as ‘Mukarar’ in 1981, ‘Tarrannum’ in 1982, ‘Mehfil ‘in 1983 and many others.
The ace ghazal singer rose to fame with Mahesh Bhatt’s 1986 film, ‘Naam’ starring Nutan, Kumar Gaurav, Sanjay Dutt, Poonam Dhillon, Amrita Singh and Paresh Rawal. His song ‘Chitthi Aayee Hai’ created a sensation among music lovers all over the world. It was selected as one of the 100 songs of the millennium by BBC Radio.
He went on to sing for several other movies such as Saath Saath (1982), Utsav (1984) and Prem Pratigyaa (1989). He has also collaborated with several other artistes such as Jagjit Singh, Asha Bhosle, Lata Mangeshkar and Anup Jalota.
In 1990, he collaborated with legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar for ‘Mahiya Teri Kasam’ in the movie ‘Ghayal’. This song achieved immense popularity. Another hit track also was ‘Chandi Jaisa Rang hai tera, sone jaise bal’.
Udhas sang the well-known song ‘Na Kajre Ki Dhar’ from the film ‘Mohra’ in 1994, alongside Sadhana Sargam, which was also highly successful. He continued to perform as a playback singer, appearing in films such ‘Saajan’, ‘Yeh Dillagi’, and ‘Phir Teri Kahaani Yaad Aayee’.
There was no looking back after that and he continued to amaze the audience all over the world through his albums and concerts. In 2006, Pankaj Udhas was awarded Padma Shri. Udhas initially started by learning the instrument tabla but later studied Hindustani vocal classical music under Ghulam Qadir Khan Sahab. Udhas then went to Mumbai to learn from Navrang Nagpurkar, a vocalist from the Gwalior Gharana.
His elder brother Manhar Udhas was also a stage performer who helped him get started in music. During the Sino-Indian War, he gave his stage performance, singing “Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo”. Udhas also started a talent hunt TV show, ‘Aadab Aarz Hai’.
The passing away of legendary ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas has created a void that can never be filled but his voice will be heard for generations to come.
“He was a beacon of Indian music”: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the passing of Ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas. Taking to X, PM Modi shared a string of throwback pictures with the singing legend, posting, “We mourn the loss of Pankaj Udhas Ji, whose singing conveyed a range of emotions and whose Ghazals spoke directly to the soul. He was a beacon of Indian music, whose melodies transcended generations. I recall my various interactions with him over the years. His departure leaves a void in the music world that can never be filled. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Demise of Melodious and captivating voice: RSS
RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat and RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale also condoled the passing of Ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas. Taking to X “Deeply saddened to know the demise of well known Gazal singer, Shri Pankaj Udhas. Our hearts go with his family members and countless admirers. Pankaj Udhas had enthralled millions of people through his melodious and captivating voice. The Emperor of Ghazal is no more. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh expresses heartfelt condolences, and pays homage to his memory. We pray to the Almighty to bestow peace on the departed soul. Om Shanti.”
“One of most important part of my childhood”: Sonu Nigam
Popular singer Sonu Nigam has expressed condolences over the passing away of the ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas. He remembered the late singer as “one of the most important part” of his childhood. “One of the most important part of my childhood is lost. Shri Pankaj Udhas Ji, I will miss you forever. My heart cries knowing that you are no more. Thank you for being there. Om Shanti,” Sonu Nigam said on his Instagram handle.
“I have lost my friend”: Anup Jalota
Renowned devotional singer Anup Jalota recalled his close bond with the late ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas and said, “I have lost my friend.” While talking to the media, Jalota said, “People have lost Pankaj Udhas, a great Ghazal singer. I have lost my friend. The trio of Pankaj (Udhas), Talat (Aziz), and me was very famous. We did a lot of concerts together. I am very sad about the demise of Pankaj Udhas. He took Ghazal to every household and made a place for himself in people’s hearts. It was a great contribution and can never be forgotten.”
He added, “I had met him 4 to 5 months ago. He was very weak. He had lost weight. I was looking forward to meeting him. I could not meet him for 2 to 3 months. This is very sad news. We also started the Khazana Ghazal festival to give a platform to young artists. We wanted to introduce the emerging ghazal singers. We wanted ghazal to be alive in the hearts of people and Pankaj Udhas also wanted the same.” (With Inputs from ANI)
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