Renowned Ghazal vocalist Pankaj Udhas passed away on February 26 at the age of 72 following a prolonged illness. The ghazal maestro’s death was confirmed by a statement issued by the singer’s family.
He became a pioneer in bringing ghazals to the mainstream, making them accessible to a wider audience beyond connoisseurs of the genre. Songs like “Chitthi Aai Hai” from the film “Naam” (1986) and “Aa Gale Lag Ja” established him as a household name, solidifying his position as one of India’s leading ghazal singers.
CM Mann expressed grief
Udhas’ early career saw him singing for Hindi films and even dabbling in Indian pop. However, his true calling lay in the realm of ghazals, a form of Urdu poetry set to music. In 1980, he released his first ghazal album, “Aahat,” marking the beginning of a prolific career that would see him release over 60 solo albums and numerous collaborative projects.
Over the years, Pankaj released numerous albums and graced the stage with many live concerts. Recognizing his contributions, Pankaj Udhas was bestowed with India’s fourth-highest civilian award, the Padma Shri.