Ghazal legend Pankaj Udhas (72) dies after prolonged illness
Renowned Indian classical singer and ghazal icon Pankaj Udhas has died aged 72 after battling a long illness. His daughter, Nayaab Udhas, announced the heartbreaking news in a statement on Monday. She said, "With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padma Shri Pankaj Udhas on 26th February 2024 due to a prolonged illness." May he rest in peace.
Bollywood mourns loss of Udhas
Bollywood and the Indian music industry are reeling from the shock of Udhas's passing, as many celebrities have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to the late singer. Fans and fellow musicians took to social media to share their sorrow and honor the legendary artist. Best known for singing Chitthi Aayee Hai from Naam (1986), Udhas was honored with the Padma Shri Award for his inimitable contribution to music in 2006.
Sonu Nigam led tributes
Udhas's professional junior and iconic Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam paid tribute to him on Instagram. Sharing a photo of the late singer, he wrote, "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."
Take a look at his career
Born in May 1951, Udhas was a tour de force in the ghazal music scene and had been active in the art form since the 1980s. Other than Chitthi Aayee Hai, his other notable and memorable songs include Aur Aahista Kijiye Baatein, Jeeye To Jeeye Kaise, and Na Kajre Ki Dhar. He also made brief appearances in films such as Saajan, Yeh Dillagi, and Naam.
Udhas's views on evolution of music
At the Khazana Artist Aloud Music event in 2022, Udhas spoke about the ghazal culture. "Music goes on and initially changes over time. Songs have obviously changed from the 1950s and the 1970s from now," he had noted. "The only thing that is constant is 'change.' But the ghazal singing is eternal and it has lasted for 400 years. It will always appeal to listeners and as ghazal is a good combination of good music and good wordings."
John Abraham considered Udhas his mentor
Actor-producer John Abraham—who featured in Udhas's song Chupke Chupke—looked up to the singer as his mentor. He once said, "I look at sir (Udhas) as a mentor because when I came into this industry as a model, the first person who graciously accepted me in his music video was sir." "With Chupke Chupke he is the one man who is more than responsible for my success," Abraham said.
