Pankaj Udhas, popular ghazal and playback singer, dies at 72
Pankaj is best known for lending his voice to memorable tracks like Chitthi Aayi Hai from Mahesh Bhatt's 1986 crime thriller Naam.
Popular ghazal and playback singer breathed his last at 72. The Udhas family confirmed his death on Monday was due to a prolonged illness.
Taking to Instagram, Pankaj Udhas' daughter Nayaab shared a statement on Instagram which read, "With a heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on 26th February 2024 due to a prolonged illness."
Soon after Nayaab shared the news of the singer's demise, his fans swamped the comment section and posted their condolences. A fan wrote, "May his soul rest in peace." "I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, stay strong and please accept my condolences," another user wrote. "Deepest Condolences and Prayers," another user posted.
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He died around 11 am at the Breach Candy hospital, a family source said. His last rites will be held on Tuesday. Pankaj is survived by wife Farida Udhas, daughters Nayaab and Reva Udhas, and brothers Nirmal and Manhar Udhas, who are also singers.
Pankaj Udhas' career
Pankaj Udhas is best known for lending his voice to memorable tracks like Chitthi Aayi Hai from Mahesh Bhatt's 1986 crime thriller Naam, Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai from Pravin Bhatt's 1998 film Ek Hi Maqsad, Aaj Phir Tumpe from Feroz Khan's 1988 action thriller Dayavan, Jeeye To Jeeye Kaise from Lawrence D'Souza's 1991 romantic film Saajan, and Chhupana Bhi Nahi Aata from Abbas-Mustan's 1993 revenge thriller Baazigar among others.
His ghazal career includes reputed albums like Aahat (1980) and tracks like Na Kajre Ki Dhaar, Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein, Ek Taraf Uska Ghar, and Thodi Thodi Piya Karo.
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Pankaj opened up on getting back on stage after a hiatus. "Before the pandemic, there used to be a lot of confidence in me before any concert. But the pandemic phase was tough, even psychologically. Though I did my riyaaz regularly and tried to keep up and not get rusted, there was a lack of exposure to the stage and audience. So, when I got back on stage after two years with a concert in Rampur (Uttar Pradesh), I was really nervous. But 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," he said.
