India's Ghazal Icon Pankaj Udhas Passes Away at 72
Pankaj Udhas is no longer with us. The iconic vocalist was seventy-two years old. His family has informed him of the news. "We are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhar on february 26, 2024, due to a prolonged illness," the announcement said. Many people have been shocked by the news. One of the first people to respond to his passing was singer Sonu Nigam.
Taking to his instagram account, Sonu wrote, “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.” sanjay gupta also offered his condolences as well. “Heart breaking. Pankaj Udhas Ji has passed away. May his soul rest in peace. Thank you for the music,” he wrote.
On May 17, 1951, Pankaj Udhas was born in Jetpur, Gujarat. In 1980, he launched his career with the release of the ghazal album Aahat. He quickly came to be associated with ghazal music in India. The ghazal singer sang the famous song Chitthi Aayee Hai for Sanjay Dutt's movie Naam in Bollywood. mahesh bhatt directed the movie. Everyone started crying as the music turned into a fury. Over the years, Pankaj staged several live performances and released multiple CDs, which increased his fame. Pankaj Udhas was bestowed with the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian decoration in India.