When the Music Died: Ghazal Legend Pankaj Udhas Passes Away at 72

One of India’s most prolific singers and play-back artists, who never seemed to run out of breath, has sadly breathed his last today. Pankaj Udhas who was renowned for his regular contribution to Hindi Cinema and Indian Pop, has reportedly succumbed in a fierce battle against cancer. Udhas was most especially lauded for giving audiences such unforgettable hit songs like “Rishta Tera Mera”, “Jeeye Toh Jeeye Kaise” and “Chupke Chukpe”.

The celebrity’s daughter Nayaab broke the news of his death on Instagram with a brief message: “With a heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padhma Shri Pankaj Udhas on 26th Feb, 2024 due to a prolonged illness.” The phenomenal vocalist reportedly slipped away at 11 am at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital after undergoing several days of treatment. The deceased is survived by his wife Farida Udhas and his progeny Nayaab and Reva. Udhas also leaves behind his brothers Nirmal and Manhar who are musical artists in their own right.

Pankaj Udhas, who began his career at the age of 29 with his debut Ghazal work Aahat in 1980, went on to put out a record-breaking 56 more albums over a career spanning 4 decades. Recognised for his originality, uncanny knack of dreaming up catchy tunes and lyrics and his unrivalled musical passion, the singer garnered 17 awards including a Padma Shri in 2006. Among his albums that have stood the test of time are Muk-Kar-Rar (1981), Paimana (1984), Nasha (1997) and Mahek (1999). Many of Udhas’ songs revolve around the themes of love and inebriation. Udhas’ swansong turned out to be Nayaab Iamhe with Gulzar in 2018.

Born into a musical family in the town of Jetpur, Gujarat, Udhas underwent his schooling at Sri BPTI Bhavanagar. As a 11-year old, his talent was already evident when an onstage rendition of “Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon” earned him Rs. 51 (Rs, 8,400 today) from a dazzled member in the audience. A stint at the Sangeet Nathak Academy in Rajkot acquainted him with playing the tabla before he moved with his family to Mumbai, where he attended the prestigious St. Xavier’s College. On the side, Udhas trained in classical vocals under the direction of Master Navrang. Pankaj went on to become a multi-instrumentalist, being able to perform on the violin, sarod and harmonium as well.

By 1984, Udhas was a household name and even performed a ghazal set at the famous Royal Albert Hall in London, England. He caught the eye and ear of Bollywood filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt who invited him to appear in and sing for the 1986 film Naam. It was in this celluloid venture that Udhas’ number “Chitti Aayi Hai” became an immediate hit and catapulted him to fame. The rest, as they say, is history. And the late, great Pankaj Udhas is sure to go down in history as one of India’s most celebrated vocalists of all time.