Renowned ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas, known for his soulful renditions, has sadly passed away at the age of 72. The news was confirmed by his daughter, Nayaab Udhas, through an Instagram post. The singer, who had been battling a prolonged illness, breathed his last on Monday.
Pankaj Udhas, along with his elder brother Manhar Udhas, carved a niche for himself in the world of music. He rose to fame with his iconic song ‘Chitthi Aayi Hai’ from the 1986 blockbuster film ‘Naam’, which became immensely popular and made him a household name in the 80s. Indian cinema legend Raj Kapoor once remarked to Udhas that this song had immortalized him, saying, ‘Tu amar ho gaya.’
Born on April 17, 1951, in Savarkundla, Gujarat, Pankaj Udhas hailed from a family deeply rooted in musical traditions. He later moved to Mumbai, where he pursued his education at St. Xavier’s College.
Apart from his Bollywood hits like ‘Chitthi Aayi Hai’ and ‘Na Kajre Ki Dhar’ from the film ‘Mohra’ (1994), Pankaj Udhas also left an indelible mark with his non-film songs such as ‘Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai Tera’, ‘Chupke Chupke Sakhiyon Se’, and ‘Ahista’. His melodious voice and poignant lyrics touched the hearts of millions, making him a beloved figure in the world of music.
The demise of Pankaj Udhas is a great loss to the music industry and his fans worldwide. His contributions to the world of ghazals and music will always be remembered and cherished.
