The Indian music industry has lost another gem. Veteran singer Pankaj Udhas took his last breath at the age of 72 in Mumbai’s Breach Candy hospital. Famous for his unique style and maleficious voice the ghazal singer was suffering from cancer. On February 26th Udhas announced the news of her father via social media. From PM Narendra Modi to numerous celebrities shared their condolences to the loss of such a shining star. Let’s delve into details.
Pankaj Udhas died this morning around 11 am at Breach Candy hospital
Udhas’s daughter wrote in her social media, “With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padma Shri Pankaj Udhas on 26th February 2024 due to a prolonged illness. Udhas family.”
As per the sources his funeral will take place this Tuesday. Meanwhile, the legend’s rep also said in a statement, “Pankaj sir was suffering from a prolonged illness and wasn’t keeping well for the last few days. He died this morning around 11 am at Breach Candy hospital.”
The death of such an iconic figure of the Indian music industry has saddened the country. Prime minister Narendra Modi also shared his condolences to the Udhas family via X. “We mourn the loss of Pankaj Udhas Ji, whose singing conveyed a range of emotions and whose Ghazals spoke directly to the soul. He was a beacon of Indian music, whose melodies transcended generations. I recall my various interactions with him over the years. His departure leaves a void in the music world that can never be filled. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” the PM shared.
In addition, numerous Bollywood actors and singers also paid tribute to the late singer.
Singer Sonu Nigam 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.”
Singer-composer Anu Malik told ANI, “He was a gem of a person…I would say he was like a diamond. He was blessed with a mellifluous voice, one that enabled him to adapt to any song or musical genre. There were so many great ghazal singers at the time but when Pankaj-ji took to the stage and started singing, the listeners sat rapt. I join the world in mourning one of our musical stalwarts, a great artist who has left us.”
Moreover, actress Sushmita Sen, Kareena Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty, Sunil Shetty, and Arjun Rampal also mourned the death of the musician.
About Pankaj Udhas’s life
The talented singer was born in a musically inclined family in Gujarat. Being the youngest of his clan he was encouraged to pursue music from a very young age.
Later on, in 1980 Pankaj ji released his ghazal first album Aahat and has been unstoppable ever since. He gave the ghazal lovers more than 50 incredible albums.
With memorable ghazals such as “Chitthi Aayi Hai” from Naam, “Na Kajre Ki Dhar” from Mohra, “Chandi Jaisa Rang”, “Ek Taraf Uska Ghar” and “Ahista” the singer will always be immortal in the hearts of his admirers.
