Ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas passes away at 73

Renowned ghazal maestro and recipient of the Padma Shri award, Pankaj Udhas, breathed his last today following a prolonged illness. The iconic singer, known for soulful renditions such as “Chitti Ayi Hai” and “Chandi Jai Rang,” passed away at 11 am in Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.

His daughter, Nayaab Udhas, took to Instagram to share the somber news, expressing, “With a heavy heart, we announce the sad demise of Padma Shri Pankaj Udhas on February 26, 2024, after battling illness.”

Pankaj Udhas made indelible contributions to Hindi cinema and Indian pop music throughout his illustrious career. He rose to prominence with his ghazal album “Aahat” in 1980, which was followed by a string of hits including “Mukarar,” “Tarrannum,” and “Mehfil.” His soul-stirring rendition of “Chitthi Aayee Hai” from the movie “Naam” resonated deeply with audiences. Udhas, a Padma Shri awardee in 2006, passed away at the age of 73.

In 1990, Pankaj Udhas collaborated with Lata Mangeshkar for the duet “Mahiya Teri Kasam” in the film “Ghayal,” garnering immense popularity. His rendition of “Na Kajre Ki Dhar” with Sadhana Sargam for the film “Mohra” in 1994 was another chartbuster. Additionally, Udhas lent his melodious voice as a playback singer for films like “Saajan,” “Yeh Dillagi,” “Naam,” and “Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee.” In a previous interview, he disclosed his initial aspiration to become a doctor, only to be steered by destiny towards a musical journey.

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

Indian Prime Minister Modi, in a heartfelt tribute, expressed sorrow over Pankaj Udhas Ji’s demise, acknowledging his ability to evoke myriad emotions through his singing and ghazals that resonated deeply with the soul. He hailed Udhas as a stalwart of Indian music whose legacy traverses generations. Recalling his interactions with the maestro over the years, Modi lamented the irreplaceable void left in the music fraternity by Udhas’ departure. He extended condolences to the grieving family and admirers, invoking peace with the chant “Om Shanti.”

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