Pankaj Udhas Death News Highlights: Last Rites Performed With Full State Honour

New Delhi: Pankaj Udhas has passed away. According to his family, veteran Ghazal vocalist Pankaj Udhas passed away on February 26 at the age of 72 following a protracted illness. The ghazal maestro's death was confirmed by a statement issued by the singer's family. 

The family's statement read: "With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on 26th February due to a prolonged illness. Udhas family."

Pankaj Udhas career

'Aahat', a ghazal album, marked the beginning of Pankaj Udhas' career in 1980. He went on to record a number of songs, including 'Mukarar' in 1981, 'Tarrannum' in 1982, 'Mehfil' in 1983, Pankaj Udhas Live at Royal Albert Hall in 1984, Nayaab in 1985, and Aafreen in 1986. Following his ghazal singing career, he received an invitation to sing in Mahesh Bhatt's film 'Naam' post which he ganerend a lot of fame.

After that, he performed playback vocals for other Hindi films. He became a well-known singer thanks to albums and live performances all over the world. 

Pankaj Udhas is also a recipient of India's fourth-highest civilian honour, the Padma Shri, which he received in 2006.

Pankaj Udhas Early Life

Born in 1951, in the vibrant state of Gujarat, India, his musical journey began early, nurtured by a family deeply invested in the world of melody. While his initial steps were in playback singing and exploring the contemporary sounds of Indian pop, his true calling resonated in the soulful and poetic realm of ghazals.

Udhas' unique power lied in his ability to breathe life into Urdu poetry. His voice, with its velvety texture and nuanced understanding of the emotional depth within the lyrics, painted vivid pictures and evoked a spectrum of emotions in the listener.

More than just a singer, Udhas was a storyteller. His renditions of timeless classics like "Chitthi Aai Hai" and "Aa Gale Lag Ja" transported listeners to a world of intricate emotions, capturing the essence of love, longing, and bittersweet memories. He had not only captivated audiences across India but also played a crucial role in popularizing ghazals, making them accessible and cherished by a wider audience.