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Veteran ghazal-playback singer and Padma Shri recipient Pankaj Udhas died after prolonged illness at 72 on Monday (February 26, 2024). He passed away in Mumbai at 11 a.m. today. He spent some time in the Mumbai Breach Candy Hospital. The news was also announced to his admirers by the Udhas family. The singer’s family stated in the official notice that he had a protracted illness. Nayaab, the daughter of renowned ghazal singer, posted a statement on Instagram. “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 statement read.
“I am terribly sorry and this is devastating! May his soul rest in peace. I know no words can pacify, however I pray that almighty gives your family the strength to deal with the irreparable loss of Sh. Udhasji #TheEndOfAnEra,” read singer’s daughter Nayaab’s caption.
Pankaj ji’s mortal remains are still in Breach Candy Hospital. The last rites will be performed tomorrow. For the unversed, the late singer is survived by his two daughters, Nayaab and Rewa Udhas.
Udhas was born in Jetpur in Gujarat on May 17, 1951. He was the youngest of three brothers.
He was known for memorable hits such as ‘Chitthi aayi hai‘ — which was featured on the top 100 songs of the millennium by BBC Radio.
The singer, who initially learnt the tabla but later studied Hindustani vocal classical music under Ghulam Qadir Khan, made his mark as a playback singer for Bollywood films starting with the 1986 film “Naam“, followed by “Saajan” and “Mohra” as he adopted the traditional ‘ghazal’ style of singing.
He also appeared on the silver screen, making appearances in films such as Yeh Dillagi, Saajan and Phir Teri Kahaani Yaad Aayee.
‘Chandani Raat Mein‘, ‘Na Kajre Ki Dhaar‘, ‘Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein‘, ‘Ek Taraf Uska Ghar‘, ‘Jiyen to jiyen kaise bin aapke’ and ‘Thodi Thodi Piya Karo‘ are among his evergreen ghazals.
Tributes pour in
Paying tribute, PM Modi wrote, ‘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.”
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… pic.twitter.com/5xL6Y3Sv75
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 26, 2024
Sonu Nigam reacts to Pankaj Udhas’ demise
Bollywood playback singer Sonu Nigam also took to his Instagram profile to give condolence to the veteran singer. “One of the most important part 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,” wrote Sonu on Instagram.
Nitin Gadkari gives tribute to Pankaj Udhas
Indian Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari also took to his X profile express sadness on the veteran singer’s demise. “The news of the demise of famous ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas ji is sad. My heartfelt tribute to him. Pankaj ji, a big name in the world of Ghazal, ruled the hearts of people with his songs. May God grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the family. Om Shanti,” read his caption.
Source:In
