Ghazal Maestro Pankaj Udhas Passes Away at 72, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Timeless Melodies
Mumbai, 26th February 2024: Pankaj Udhas, the revered ghazal and playback singer, passed away at the age of 72. Renowned for classics like Chitthi Aayi Hai, his demise, attributed to a prolonged illness, was confirmed by the Udhas family on Monday. Nayaab, Pankaj Udhas’ daughter, shared the sorrowful news on Instagram, expressing, “With a heavy heart, we inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on 26th February 2024 due to a prolonged illness.”
Following Nayaab’s announcement, condolences poured in from fans, offering sympathies and expressing grief. Messages like “May his soul rest in peace” and “I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, stay strong and please accept my condolences” flooded the comment section.
Pankaj Udhas passed away around 11 am at Breach Candy Hospital, and his last rites are scheduled for Tuesday. He leaves behind his wife Farida Udhas, daughters Nayaab and Reva Udhas, and brothers Nirmal and Manhar Udhas, both accomplished singers.
Known for his illustrious career, Pankaj Udhas contributed his melodic voice to timeless tracks such as Chitthi Aayi Hai, Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai, Aaj Phir Tumpe, Jeeye To Jeeye Kaise, and Chhupana Bhi Nahi Aata. His ghazal journey included acclaimed albums like Aahat (1980) and hit tracks such as Na Kajre Ki Dhaar, Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein, Ek Taraf Uska Ghar, and Thodi Thodi Piya Karo.
Reflecting on returning to the stage after the pandemic-induced hiatus, Pankaj Udhas shared his experience in an interview. He revealed the challenges of the pandemic, saying, “Before the pandemic, there used to be a lot of confidence in me before any concert. But the pandemic phase was tough, even psychologically.” Despite the hurdles, his return to the stage in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, after two years was an emotional moment, as he expressed, “When I went up on stage and saw 6,000 people cheering for me, I had tears in my eyes. It was a very emotional moment, as I was deprived of the stage for so long.”
