Veteran Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas has passed away at 72 after a prolonged illness on February 26.
According to his family, veteran Ghazal vocalist Pankaj Udhas passed away on February 26 at the age of 72 following a protracted illness. The ghazal maestro’s death was confirmed by a statement issued by the singer’s family.
The statement read: “With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on 26th February due to a prolonged illness. Udhas family.”
Today at 11 a.m., the singer passed away at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. He was reportedly not dating anyone when he received his cancer diagnosis a few months ago.
On Tuesday, February 27, the singer will have her last rites conducted.
The news of Pankaj Udhas’ father’s passing was also disseminated on social media by his daughter Nayaab.
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.
About the Ghazal maestro
For more than forty years, Pankaj Udhas—a name synonymous with heartfelt ghazals—has enthralled listeners. Udhas was raised by a family rich in music and started his musical career at an early age. He was born on May 17, 1951, in Jetpur, Gujarat, India. Pankaj’s entry into the music industry was made possible by his older brother, Manhar Udhas, who was already a well-known playback singer in Bollywood.
During his early career, Udhas sang for Hindi movies and even experimented with Indian music. Nevertheless, ghazals—a type of musicalized Urdu poetry—were his genuine calling. His debut ghazal album, “Aahat,” was launched in 1980, and it was the start of a highly productive career that would see him release over 60 solo albums and countless collaboration efforts.
Listeners were captivated by Udhas’s subtle grasp of ghazal poetry and his lovely voice. He emerged as a trailblazer in popularizing ghazals, opening them up to a broader audience than only ghazal enthusiasts. Songs like “Aa Gale Lag Ja” and “Chitthi Aai Hai” from the 1986 movie “Naam” made him a household name and cemented his status as one of India’s top ghazal singers.
Numerous distinguished honors, such as the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Ghazal Singing, the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer, and the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, have been given to Udhas in recognition of his dedication to his trade.
In addition to his talent for singing, Udhas was renowned for his modest and grounded demeanor.
The voice of Pankaj Udhas will always hold a special place in the hearts of ghazal fans globally.
Embark on a journey of entertainment with ViralSaala! Explore the latest trends, news, and viral content that keeps you hooked. Join the fun today!