Renowned Indian Ghazal Maestro Pankaj Udhas Passes Away at 72, Leaving a Musical Legacy
Mumbai mourns the loss of Pankaj Udhas, the celebrated Indian singer acclaimed for his mastery of the ghazal genre, who passed away after a prolonged illness at the age of 72.
The somber news was conveyed by Udhas’ daughter, Nayaab, through an Instagram post: “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.”
Pankaj Udhas made his debut with the ghazal album “Aahat” in 1980, marking the beginning of a prolific career. His subsequent hit albums, including “Mukarar” (1981), “Tarrannum” (1982), “Mehfil” (1983), “Pankaj Udhas Live at Royal Albert Hall” (1984), “Nayaab” (1985), and “Aafreen” (1986), solidified his position as a maestro in the world of ghazals.
While film songs dominate the music scene in India, Udhas garnered a vast and diverse fan following with the release of Mahesh Bhatt’s blockbuster film “Naam” (1986), where he lent his soulful voice to the poignant “Chitthi Aayee Hai” and appeared as himself in a concert set in a Hong Kong auditorium. His contributions extended to numerous Bollywood films, including “Dayavan” (1988), “Gawaahi” (1989), “Ghayal” (1990), “Saajan” (1991), and “Mohra” (1994), among many others.
Expressing condolences, India’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur stated, “Deeply saddened by the news of the 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 ghazals. 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.”
Anup Jalota, Udhas’ contemporary and fellow music icon, shared his grief on social media: “Shocking… Music legend & my Friend #PankajUdhas passes away. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his Family and loved ones during this difficult time.” The departure of Pankaj Udhas leaves an indelible void in the world of Indian music, with fans and fellow artists mourning the loss of a true maestro.