Popular ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas passed away on February 26 following a protracted illness, according to his family. He was seventy-two.
“With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on February 26, 2024, due to a prolonged illness,” the family wrote in an official statement.
Sharing the news of Pankaj Udhas’ death on his Instagram, singer Sonu Nigam wrote, “One of the most important part 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.”
Udhas was born on May 17, 1951, in Jetpur, Gujarat. His career started in 1980 when the ghazal album ‘Aahat’ was released. He quickly came to be associated with ghazal music in India. The legendary song ‘Chitthi Aayee Hai’ from the Bollywood movie ‘Naam,’ which starred Sanjay Dutt, was voiced by the ghazal maestro.
This is undoubtedly very heart-breaking for all ghazal lovers. And it is not needed to say that he will remain in our memories forever.
Pankaj had put out multiple CDs and performed live on-stage numerous times over the years. India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, the Padma Shri, was given to Udhas.
