Pankaj Udhas, the revered ghazal maestro and playback singer, whose voice enthralled millions, passed away at the age of 72. His demise occurred at approximately 11 am at Breach Candy Hospital following a battle with a long-term illness.
The news of Udhas’s passing was confirmed by his family on Monday, marking a somber moment for the music community and his fans worldwide. His daughter, Nayaab Udhas, took to social media to share the heart-wrenching news, stating, “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on 26th February 2024 due to a prolonged illness.”
The announcement on Instagram prompted an outpouring of grief and condolences from admirers and fellow artists alike, highlighting the deep impact Udhas had on the hearts of many. Fans and friends expressed their sympathy and support for the family during this challenging time, with messages like, “May his soul rest in peace,” and “Deepest Condolences and Prayers,” flooding the comment section.
Pankaj Udhas leaves behind a rich legacy, survived by his wife Farida Udhas, daughters Nayaab and Reva, and his brothers Nirmal and Manhar Udhas, who are also accomplished singers in their own right. His funeral rites were scheduled to take place the following Tuesday, offering a final farewell to a legend whose music transcended boundaries.
Udhas’s illustrious career spanned several decades, during which he became synonymous with the ghazal genre, bringing it to the forefront of Indian music with his soulful renditions. He lent his voice to timeless Bollywood hits such as “Chitthi Aayi Hai” from the 1986 crime thriller “Naam,” “Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai” from the 1998 film “Ek Hi Maqsad,” “Aaj Phir Tumpe” from the 1988 action thriller “Dayavan,” “Jeeye To Jeeye Kaise” from the 1991 romantic film “Saajan,” and “Chhupana Bhi Nahi Aata” from the 1993 revenge thriller “Baazigar.”
Aside from his playback singing, Udhas’s ghazal albums like “Aahat” released in 1980, showcased his versatility and depth as a musician. His repertoire included beloved tracks such as “Na Kajre Ki Dhaar,” “Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein,” “Ek Taraf Uska Ghar,” and “Thodi Thodi Piya Karo,” each capturing the essence of ghazal singing and securing his place as a stalwart of the genre.
Reflecting on his career, Udhas once shared his experiences of returning to the stage after a hiatus, particularly highlighting the challenges posed by the pandemic. He recounted the nervousness and emotional upheaval he faced before his comeback concert in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh. Despite regular practice sessions or ‘riyaaz’ to maintain his vocal prowess, the absence of live performances had taken a toll. However, the overwhelming support and love from a crowd of 6,000 fans, who cheered him on as he performed, moved him to tears and reaffirmed his connection with his audience.
Pankaj Udhas’s departure marks the end of an era in Indian music, but his songs and the emotional depth they carry will continue to resonate with listeners for generations to come. His contributions to the ghazal genre and Indian cinema have left an indelible mark, cementing his legacy as a luminary whose melodies touched souls and transcended the confines of time and space.
The loss of Pankaj Udhas has indeed created a void in the world of music that will be hard to fill. Beyond his fame and his contributions to the ghazal genre and Bollywood, Udhas was a figure of immense respect and admiration. His ability to convey complex emotions through his music, making listeners feel a profound sense of connection and understanding, was unparalleled. His dedication to his craft, combined with his humility and grace, made him not just a celebrated artist but a beloved individual to those who knew him personally and to his fans across the globe. As tributes continue to pour in, it’s clear that while the maestro may have left the stage, his legacy will continue to inspire and move people, keeping his spirit alive in the hearts of music lovers everywhere. Pankaj Udhas’s journey through music was not just about the songs he sang but about the lives he touched and the indelible memories he created, making his loss deeply felt but his contributions immortal.