The music industry mourned the loss of the ghazal and playback singer, Pankaj Udhas, who succumbed to a prolonged illness on February 26 at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, India.
The news was shared by his daughter, Nayaab Udhas, via Instagram. Her message stated, “With a very 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.”
Udhas made a mark in the world of music with his ghazals and playback singing in Hindi cinema. Beginning his career with the 1980 ghazal album ‘Aahat,’ he went on to produce numerous hits, including ‘Chitthi Aayee Hai’ from the 1986 film ‘Naam’. He was honored with the Padma Shri in 2006, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
In addition, Udhas also bagged the Special Achievement Award at the Bollywood Music Award 2003, in New York for popularising ghazals across the globe. He was honored by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce in 2002, the USA Award for extraordinary services to Indian music in 1999 and also the Indian Arts Awards Gala presented by the Mayor of the City of Jersey City.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his his death on X. “We mourn the loss of Pankaj Udhas Ji, whose singing conveyed a range of emotions and whose Ghazals spoke directly to the soul. 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.”
We mourn the loss of Pankaj Udhas Ji, whose singing conveyed a range of emotions and whose Ghazals spoke directly to the soul. He was a beacon of Indian music, whose melodies transcended generations. I recall my various interactions with him over the years.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 26, 2024
His departure leaves… pic.twitter.com/5xL6Y3Sv75
Many from the Bollywood film fraternity posted their tribute to the musician. Bollywood actor Anupam Kher posted a teary eyed video, finding it tough to digest the passing away of the maestro. He said in Hindi, “Why do some people leave us and go?”
Kher continued, “We don’t meet such people everyday, but when we do, the memories they leave us with are very beautiful.”
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