Pankaj Udhas, Renowned Ghazal Singer, Passes Away Following Prolonged Illness

Pankaj Udhas, the veteran Ghazal maestro, has sadly passed away at the age of 72 after battling a prolonged illness, as confirmed by his family on February 26. The renowned singer breathed his last at 11 AM in Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital. Reports suggest he had been diagnosed with cancer a few months prior and had been keeping a low profile since then.

The news of Udhas' demise was shared by his family, who released a statement expressing their profound sorrow. "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," the statement read.

The funeral rites for the ghazal icon are scheduled to take place on Tuesday, February 27.

Pankaj Udhas leaves behind a rich legacy in the world of music. Born on May 17, 1951, in Jetpur, Gujarat, India, Udhas was born into a family with a deep-rooted musical heritage. His elder brother, Manhar Udhas, had already established himself as a successful playback singer in Bollywood, inspiring Pankaj to follow suit.

Although Udhas initially ventured into Hindi film songs and Indian pop music, it was his enchanting renditions of ghazals that truly captured the hearts of audiences. His debut ghazal album, "Aahat," released in 1980, marked the beginning of a prolific career spanning over four decades. Throughout his illustrious journey, Udhas released more than 60 solo albums and collaborated on numerous projects.

Known for his melodious voice and profound understanding of ghazal poetry, Udhas played a pivotal role in popularizing the genre and making it accessible to a wider audience. Hits like "Chitthi Aai Hai" from the movie "Naam" (1986) and "Aa Gale Lag Ja" cemented his status as one of India's foremost ghazal singers.

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In recognition of his contributions to music, Pankaj Udhas received several prestigious awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Ghazal Singing, and the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honors.

Beyond his musical achievements, Udhas was admired for his humility and grounded nature. His voice will forever resonate in the hearts of ghazal enthusiasts, leaving behind an indelible mark on the world of music.