Veteran Ghazal Singer Pankaj Udhas Passes Away At 72

Mumbai: Veteran ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas passed away on Monday following prolonged illness. He was 72.

The news was confirmed by his family. “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,” his daughter Nayaab said in a statement shared on Instagram.

His condition reportedly turned critical in the last week, according to reports.

Mourning his demise, singer Sonu Nigam wrote on Instagram: “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 got first break as a singer was for the movie ‘Kaamna’ (1972), in which he sang a tune composed by Usha Khanna and written by Naqsh Lyallpuri. He gained fame with his ghazal album ‘Aahat’ in 1980. Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai Tera was also a chartbuster of its time.

His soulful Chitthi Aayee Hai from the film “Naam” remains the definitive patriotic anthem for every Indian and PIO living abroad. He also had a cameo performance in the Mahesh Bhatt’s 1986 film, which made him a household name. He has sung only for a handful of other films, including ‘Ghayal’ (1990) ‘Saajan’ (1991), ‘Yeh Dillagi’ (1994), ‘Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee’ (1993) and ‘Mohra’ (1994).

He received accolades, including the Padma Shri in 2006. The veteran singer was conferred with the prestigious Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan Award last year.