Pankaj Udhas, the renowned ghazal singer, passed away at the age of 72. He was battling a prolonged illness and was undergoing treatment at a private hospital. Moreover, he was known for songs like ‘Chitti Aayi Hai’, ‘Jeeye Toh Jeeye Kaise’, ‘Chupke Chupke’, and others.
The music world is mourning the loss of legendary ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas. He passed away today at the age of 72 in Mumbai. Meanwhile, he was battling a prolonged illness and was undergoing treatment at Breach Candy Hospital.
His daughter, Nayaab Udhas, posted a statement on Instagram confirming his death. “With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on 26th February 2024 due to a prolonged illness. Udhas family”, it read. His funeral will be held on Tuesday, February 27, in Mumbai.
Udhas, born in Jetpur, Gujarat, embarked on his musical journey at a young age. He rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s with his soulful renditions of ghazals, captivating audiences with his expressive voice and deep understanding of the genre. Moreover, his music transcended generations, finding resonance with both young and old alike.
Glorious Career
Udhas’s career spanned over five decades, and he was credited with popularizing ghazals, bringing them to a wider audience. He sang both original compositions and classics by renowned poets like Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Mirza Ghalib, and Jagjit Singh. Some of his most popular ghazals include “Chitthi Na Koi Sandesh,” “Koi Fariya Nahi,” “Nazar Ke Samne“, “Chitti Aayi Hai”, “Jeeye Toh Jeeye Kaise”, “Chupke Chupke”, and others.
Beyond ghazals, Udhas also lent his voice to several Bollywood films, including “Naam” (1986), “Saaransh” (1984), and “Masoom” (1983). However, he was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, in 2006, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to Indian music.
Meanwhile, the news of Udhas’s passing has been met with widespread grief and tributes from the Indian music fraternity and fans across the globe. Sonu Nigam expressed his shock and wrote on Instagram, “One of the most important parts of my childhood is lost today. 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.”
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However, Pankaj Udhas leaves behind a rich legacy of music and a void in the hearts of millions. His soulful voice and masterful interpretations of ghazals will continue to be cherished for years to come.