Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 26 (ANI): Globally renowned Ghazal maestro and Padma Shri recipient Pankaj Udhas passed away on Monday at the age of 72.
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 26th February 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.
Among the evergreen ghazals that Pankaj Udhas lent his vocals to were ‘Chitthi Aayi Hai’, ‘Chandani Raat Mein’, ‘Na Kajre Ki Dhaar’, ‘Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein’, ‘Ek Taraf Uska Ghar’ and ‘Thodi Thodi Piya Karo’. The singer’s demise left the music industry in shock and in grief. (ANI)
The Voice behind ‘Chitthi Aayee Hai’
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 on Monday. 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 as 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. (ANI)
“He was a beacon of Indian music”: PM Modi mourns demise of Ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas
New Delhi [India], February 26 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday 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.”
“I have lost my friend”: Anup Jalota recalls his close bond with late ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas
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 ANI, Jalota said, “People have lost Pankaj Udhas, lost 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.” Mourning the demise of ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas, composer Anu Malik on Sunday, calling him a ‘heera‘ (diamond).
Speaking to ANI on Monday, Malik said, “He was a gem of a person…I would say he was like a diamond. He was blessed with a mellifluous voice, one that enabled him to adapt to any song or musical genre. There were so many great ghazal singers at the time but when Pankaj-ji took to the stage and started singing, the listeners sat rapt. I join the world in mourning one of our musical stalwarts, a great artiste who has left us. He was a great singer and an even better human being. Whenever I met him, he had a smile on his face. He also had a humorous side to him.”
“He received a lot of love from his listeners and his fans across the world are in mourning today after learning of his demise. May God give strength to Pankaj-ji’s family to bear this loss. The music industry has lost a shining star. Om Shanti,” Malik added.
Paying glowing tributes to Ghazal stalwart Pankaj Udhas, who passed away on Monday after a prolonged illness, singer-composer Salim Merchant said that the legendary singer boosted and enriched the music industry through his timeless melodies. Speaking to ANI on Monday, the singer-composer mourned the passing of the singing stalwart, saying, “He entertained us for many years and boosted and enriched our industry through his evergreen ghazals and other songs. He spread the message of love and oneness through his songs. I have been in shock since I received the news of his demise. I still can’t believe he is no more. The word of his passing made me speechless. He has left a massive void in the music industry. We have lost a great artiste and an even greater human being.”
Pankaj Udhas gifted us with some of the most memorable renditions of gazals: Anurag Thakur
Union Minister Anurag Thakur has mourned the demise of legendary ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas. Recalling his legacy and contribution to the music industry, the minister wrote, “Deeply saddened the news of passing of Pankaj Udhas ji. His career, spanning more than 4 decades, enriched our music industry and gifted us with some of the most memorable and melodious renditions of gazals. His demise is an irreparable loss to our music world. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.”
