Veteran ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas — whose ghazals dwelt upon love, sharab and intoxication and who had mesmerised people across the country through his iconic songs like “Chitthi Aayee Hain”, “Ek Taraf Uska Ghar”, “Thodi Thodi Piya Karo,” and “Chandi Jaisa Rang hai tera, sone jaise bal” — died here on Monday, after prolonged illness.
Udhas, who was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago and had isolated himself since then, breathed his last at Breach Candy Hospital in south Mumbai at 11 am. He was 72.
“With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on February 26 due to a prolonged illness,” Udhas’ family said in a statement issued here. Udhas’ daughter Nayaab also shared the news of her father’s demise on social media.
The ghazal maestro’s funeral will be held on Tuesday.
Known for his inimitable songs in Hindi films and Indian pop, Udhas began his career ghazal album Aahat in 1980. He recorded many albums like Mukarar (1981), Tarannum (1982), Mehfil (1983) Pankaj Udhas Live at Royal Albert Hall (1984), Nayaab (1985) and Aafreen (1986).
Pankaj Udhas shot to fame with his memorable song “Chitthi aayi hai aayi hai chitthi aayi hai.... Bade dino ke baad ... Ham bevatano ko yaad” in film Naam (1986). After that he became a sought-after singer. He sang in many films, brought out several music albums and performed at several music concerts across the world.
In 2006, Udhas was awarded Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in the country.
Mourning the demise of the ghazal maestro “whose singing conveyed a range of emotions and whose Ghazals spoke directly to the soul”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “He was a beacon of Indian music, whose melodies transcended generations.
“I recall my various interactions with him over the years. His departure leaves a void in the music world that can never be filled. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti”.
Born on May 17, 1951 at Jetpur in Gujarat, Udhas-whose both brothers Nirmal Udhas and Manhar Udhas are also singers - began his musical journey at a young age. His father Keshubhai Udhas enrolled Pankaj to learn the tabla. But, he began learning Hindustani vocal classical music from Ghulam Qadir Khan.
Apart from nuances of playing the tabla from the Sangeet Natya Academy at Rajkot, Udhas did a Bachelor of Science degree at Wilson College and St Xavier’s college, Mumbai and started training in Indian classical vocal music under the tutelage of Navrang Nagpurkar, a singer from the Gwalior Gharana, in Mumbai.
Udhas, whose Chandi Jaisa Rang hai tera, sone jaise bal ( Your colour is like silver, your hair is like gold) became raging hit, sang his first song in the film “Kamna” a solo composed by Usha Khanna and written by Naqsh Lyallpuri, the film was a flop but his rendition was very much appreciated.
Udhas, who learned Urdu to try to pursue a career as a ghazal singer and performed several concerts in the United States and Canada in the initial part of his career. It was “Chitthi Aayee Hain” (letter has arrived) in the film “Naam” that made him popular.
In 1990, Udhas was hugely appreciated for his melodious duet “Mahiya Teri Kasam” with Lata Mangeshkar. He later sang “Na Kajre Ki Dhar”, from the film Mohra along with Sadhana Sargam which also became a hit.
Apart from singing, Udhas made on-screen appearances in films such as Saajan, Yeh Dillagi, Naam and Phir Teri Kahaani Yaad Aayee. He later started a talent hunt television programme called Aadab Arz Hai on Sony TV.
“Shocking (sad face emoji) Music legend & my Friend #PankajUdhas passes away. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his Family,” singer Anup Jalota wrote on “X”.
“One of the most important parts of my childhood is lost today. Pankaj Udhas, I will miss you forever. My heart cries knowing that you are no more... Om Shanti, “ Sonu Nigam said.
“Oh My god, this is so shocking, a terrible loss to the music industry. I’m not able to reconcile this loss,” Shankar Mahadevan said.
