Ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas passes away aged 72 due to prolonged illness, says family

Ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas has passed away

Ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas has passed away after suffering from prolonged illness, his family has said in a statement. The singer was known for his soulful ghazals and playback singing in films. News agency PTI reported that the singer had passed away.

The 72-year-old singer died in Mumbai on Monday following a prolonged illness, his daughter Nayab said. He breathed his last around 11 am at the Breach Candy hospital, a family source said.

"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," Nayab wrote in an Instagram post. The last rites will be held on Tuesday.

Ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas passes away

Pankaj Udhas started his career with the release of a ghazal album titled Aahat in 1980 and subsequently recorded many hits like Mukarar in 1981, Tarrannum in 1982, Mehfil in 1983, Pankaj Udhas Live at Royal Albert Hall in 1984, Nayaab in 1985 and Aafreen in 1986.

After his success as a ghazal singer, he was invited to appear and sing for the film Naam by Mahesh Bhatt. Udhas rose to further fame for singing the song 'Chitthi Aayee Hai' in the film Naam, which became an instant hit. In 1990, he sang the melodious duet 'Mahiya Teri Kasam' with Lata Mangeshkar, for the movie Ghayal. This song achieved immense popularity. In 1994, Udhas sang the notable song, 'Na Kajre Ki Dhar', from the film Mohra, along with Sadhana Sargam, which also became very popular.

In 2006, Pankaj Udhas was honoured with the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award.

Born in Jetpur, Gujarat, Pankaj Udhas was the youngest of three brothers. His parents were Keshubhai Udhas and Jituben Udhas. His eldest brother Manhar Udhas achieved some success as a Hindi playback singer in Bollywood films. His second elder brother, Nirmal Udhas, was also a well-known ghazal singer.