Renowned Ghazal Maestro Pankaj Udhas Passes Away at 72

Mumbai: The legendary ghazal singer, Padmashri Pankaj Udhas passed away, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music with his soulful renditions. He succumbed to a prolonged illness today, as confirmed by his daughter Nayaab Udhas in a heartfelt social media post. Sources close to the family revealed that the iconic “Chitthi Ayee Hai” and “Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein” singer breathed his last around 11 am at a Mumbai hospital.

The official statement released by the Udhas family read, “With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on 26th February due to a prolonged illness.” The last rites are scheduled for Tuesday.

Born in Jetpur, Gujarat, on May 17, 1951, Pankaj Udhas embarked on his musical journey at a young age, coming from a family deeply rooted in musical traditions. Trained at the Rajkot Sangeet Academy and mentored by Gwalior Gharana singer Navrang Nagpurkar in Mumbai, Udhas’ talent blossomed.

His initial foray into the music industry included singing for Hindi films and experimenting with Indian pop. However, it was his love for ghazals that defined his illustrious career. In 1980, he released his first ghazal album, “Aahat,” marking the beginning of a prolific career that spanned over four decades, encompassing more than fifty albums and countless compilations.

Pankaj Udhas’ contributions to Hindi films, including classics like “Naam,” “Saajan,” and “Mohra,” have left an indelible impact on the industry. Despite his extensive discography, he continued to captivate audiences with live performances at various ghazal events.

His most recent work as a playback singer was in the 2016 film “Dil Toh Deewana Hai.” Pankaj Udhas’ melodious voice and deep understanding of ghazal poetry made him a pioneer in bringing this art form to a broader audience, solidifying his place as one of India’s leading ghazal maestros. The legacy of his soul-stirring music will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.