Pankaj Udhas Death News Live Updates: Renowned ghazal and playback singer Pankaj Udhas passed away. His funeral will be held tomorrow. (Photo: Varinder Chawla)Pankaj Udhas Death News Updates: Legendary ghazal and playback singer Pankaj Udhas was laid to rest with full state honours in Mumbai on Tuesday. He died on Monday at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai after battling a prolonged illness. He was 72.
“In loving memory of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas. With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of his demise on the 26 of February 2024 due to a prolonged illness. The funeral will take place on Tuesday, February 27, from 3 to 5 pm. Venue: Hindu Crematorium. Worli (Mumbai) Landmark Opp. Four Seasons: Dr E Muses Rd. Worli. The Udhas Family,” his daughter Nayyab said in a statement on social media.
Pankaj Udhas’ death left his admirers and fans heartbroken, with tributes flowing in from India and abroad. A singer with a euphonious voice, Pankaj made his entry into the film industry with the song “Munne Ki Amma Yeh To Bata” in Bhappi Sonie’s Tum Haseen Main Jawaan (1970), alongside Kishore Kumar. His debut ghazal album Aahat, released in 1980, garnered significant attention, paving the way for numerous successful albums in the years to come.
The track “Chithi Aayi Hai” from Mahesh Bhatt’s Naam (1986), composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, brought Pankaj Udhas widespread acclaim, solidifying his position as a Bollywood mainstay. He collaborated frequently with composers such as Bappi Lahiri, Anu Malik and Anand-Milind, earning a place in the hearts of Indian music lovers.
Born in Jetpur, Gujarat, as the youngest of three brothers, Pankaj drew inspiration for his ghazals from Begum Akhtar and Mehdi Hasan. He was also a fan of the English rock band Beatles and American singer Whitney Houston.
Some of the chartbusters in his discography are “Na Kajre Ki Dhar,” “Chandi Jaisa Rang,” “Jiye toh jiye kaise,” and “Chupke Chupke Sakhiyon Se”.
A notable anecdote involving Pankaj Udhas is how Bollywood’s Baadshah Shah Rukh Khan earned his first salary at one of the singer’s concerts. SRK worked as an usher and was paid Rs 50, which he used to travel to Agra by train.
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Born in a musically inclined family in Gujarat, Pankaj Udhas was the youngest of three brothers. Both his brothers — Manhar Udhas and Nirmal Udhas — established their careers in singing and Pankaj followed their example. While he initially wanted to learn tabla, his interest gradually moved to ghazals and he also learnt Urdu to hone his skills. Pankaj is survived by her wife Farida and daughters Nayaab and Reva.
Pankaj Udhas laid to rest, fans say he 'lives on in our hearts'
Pankaj Udhas was laid to rest on Tuesday evening with full state honours. Fans, friends and admirers paid their last respects with netizens also sharing tributes. "He lives on in his music," read one tribute on scoial media.
Pankaj Udhas funeral: Vishal Bhardwaj, Shaan arrive
Pankaj Udhas's family pays last respect
Pankaj Udhas's last journey begins with state honours
Zakir Hussain: 'There is no parallel to the joy Pankaj Udhas has spread through his music'
Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain spoke to media outside late music composer Pankaj Udhas's home. He said in Hindi, which loosely translates to, "The joy he has spread through his music has no parallel or comparison. We love his family, wo love Pankaj bhai so much'
John Abraham remembers his mentor Pankaj Udhas
Actor John Abraham remembered late singer Pankaj Udhas in a social media post. He wrote, "You held me close when I was just a newcomer. You are my mentor in so many ways. May you rest in peace. I will always miss you."
Pankaj Udhas's mortals remains brought to his residence
Late ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas's mortal remains arrived at his Mumbai residence on Tuesday afternoon. His funeral will take place in Worli crematorium.
Pankaj Udhas's daughter Reva Udhas breaks down
Shankar Mahadevan arrives at Pankaj Udhas' residence to pay final respect
Manju Warrier remembers Pankaj Udhas
Malayalam actor expressed condolence over the demise of musical legend Pankaj Udhas. Manju posted a picture of the late musician and singer and wrote, "Rest In Peace".
Sunny Deol condoles Pankaj Udhas' death: 'We have lost a true gem'
Actor Sunny Deol expressed shock over ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas's death and wrote on Instagram, "Deeply saddened by Pankaj ji's sudden demise. We have truly lost a gem, his memories and ghazals will live on forever. My condolences to his family, friends and fans. Om Shanti."
Pankaj Udhas's funeral on Tuesday afternoon in Mumbai, says daughter Nayyab
Daughter Nayyab Udhas uploaded the statement from the family on Instagram, informing Pankaj Udhas' fans and friends about the ghazal singer's last rites.
Anupam Kher remembers Pankaj Udhas: 'Ab Chitthi Nahi aayegi'
Veteran actor Anupam Kher shared an emotional video as he remembered the late ghazal king Pankaj Udhas who breathed his last on Monday. "Now you will perform in heaven," the actor said. Read more here.
Pankaj Udhas, the voice of longing and heartache
Remembering the ascent of Pankaj Udhas in the world of ghazals after the heart touching "Chitthi Aayi Hai": After Chitthi aayi hai, there were several stories those days of people returning home from abroad, while many others were steered towards a feeling of yearning to see their loved ones. It was this ‘Chitthi aayi hai effect’ that propelled Udhas, despite his relatively quotidian voice, to a significant stature at a time when the world of ghazals was ruled by Mehdi Hasan, Ghulam Ali and Jagjit Singh among others. Read more here.
Sushmita Sen condoles Pankaj Udhas’ death
Sushmita Sen shared a picture of the late singer on Instagram stories and wrote, “Rest in peace sir. Beautful soul.”
Shilpa Shetty mourns Pankaj Udhas’ death
Actor Shilpa Shetty took to her Instagram stories and wrote, “Om Shanti. Aapki awaz hum sabke saath hamesha rahegi. Heartfelt condolences to Pankaj ji's loved ones.”
“One of our musical stalwarts..”
Anu Malik condoled Pankaj Udhas’ death and 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.”
“Thank you for the timeless music..”
Actor Arjun Rampal took to his X handle and wrote, “Rest in peace Pankaj Udhas ji, thank you for the timeless music. You will live on through your music. My condolences and prayers to the family and loved ones.”
Kareena Kapoor mourns the demise of Pankaj Udhas
Kareena Kapoor Khan took to her Instagram handle and shared a picture of late singer Pankaj Udhas. She wrote, "Rest in peace."
Suniel Shetty mourns the demise of Pankaj Udhas
Suniel Shetty shared on X, "Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Pankaj Udhas ji. His soulful voice touched the heart of millions. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace."
'The ultimate ghazal escape...'
Hansal Mehta wrote on X, "Another indelible part of my growing years. The ultimate ghazal escape for us gujjus, beyond maikhana, chandi, sona and ishq he introduced me to the poetry of Mumtaz Rashid. RIP Pankaj Udhas."
'His ghazals touched the souls of people worldwide'
Madhuri Dixit Nene said via X, "Deeply saddened by the loss of a music legend, Pankaj Udhas Ji. His gazals touched the souls of people worldwide. His legacy will forever linger in our hearts! Om Shanti ??."
'One of the most important parts of my childhood is lost today'
Sonu Nigam wrote on his Instagram handle, "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."
'His demise is an irreplaceable loss to our music world'
Abhishek Bachchan posted on X, "Very saddened by Pankaj Udhas ji's passing. His demise is an irreplaceable loss to our music world. My sincere condolences to his family and friends in this difficult time. Om Shanti. ??"
'His monumental legacy in the music industry is unparalleled'
Singer Hariharan took to Instagram and wrote, "Today, I find myself at a loss for words as I mourn the loss of a musical titan, Pankaj Udhas Ji. Our friendship and collaboration spanned 45 years, a journey filled with unforgettable melodies and profound mutual respect. His monumental legacy in the music industry is unparalleled, and his departure leaves a void that cannot be filled. It's a cruel twist of fate that he couldn't enjoy his golden years as he rightfully deserved. My heart goes out to his family in these trying times, praying for their strength and endurance. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his music continue to inspire and console us. Farewell, Pankaj Ji, your melodies will linger on, immortalized."
Anup Jalota reveals Pankaj Udhas had pancreatic cancer
Anup Jalota told indianexpress.com, 'People have lost Pankaj Udhas, but I have lost a very dear friend. We were friends for 45 years. We used to spend beautiful evenings together. Those days me, Pankaj, and Talat Aziz were famous. We would work together. The man who helped so many cancer paitents, himself died of cancer. That is life. He had pancreatic cancer. I knew this since the last 5 to 6 months. He stopped talking to me since the last 2-3 months. I feel very sad that this illness took his life.'
'He distributed so much love through his songs'
Salim Merchant told ANI, "He entertained us for so many years and boosted the morale of the industry through his songs. He distributed so much love through his songs. I am very shocked because I can't believe that this has happened. And Pankaj Udhas is no more with us. I am speechless. This has left a void in the music industry. We have lost a great artist and a great person."
WATCH: Anup Jalota mourns the demise of Pankaj Udhas
Sameera Reddy, who featured in the music video of Pankaj Udhas' Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatien, pays tribute to singer
Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourns the demise of Pankaj Udhas
Udit Narayan pays tribute to Pankaj Udhas: 'Legendary singers like him have been institutions for us'
Mourning the loss of Pankaj Udhas, Udit Narayan told indianexpress.com, "It is a huge loss for the music and film industry. He was a brilliant ghazal singer, and he was a very good human being. I have known him since my struggling days. At that time, I used to listen to his songs. Later when my songs became a hit, he would call me so many times and praise me. I could never imagine that a singer who I have heard, someone who has sung such amazing songs like 'Sone Jaise Rang', 'Chitthi Aayi Hai Watan Se', would praise me. He had his own individuality. Legendary singers like him have been institutions for us. He was amongst those who loved people dearly and always respected them. We have shared the stage a few times. He praised me so much always. My song 'Pehla Nasha...' was his favourite. I would feel very nice when he would compliment me. It is a very painful news to know that he is not amongst us now, but his memories shall live on through his music. May his soul rest in peace. My sincere condolences to his family."
Listen to ghazals by Pankaj Udhas
'His soothing voice and emotive rendiions touched the hearts of millions'
Orrisa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik shared on X, "Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of renowned Ghazal singer #PankajUdhas. His soothing voice and emotive renditions touched the hearts of millions. Legacy of the legendary singer will continue to resonate with fans and music enthusiasts for time to come. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family and friends."
'There would be no man who wouldn't have listened to Pankaj Udhas songs'
Ghazal singer Ashok Khosla, who was a longtime friend of Pankaj Udhas, told The Indian Express, "I am devastated. We were very good friends for 40 years. He has contributed a lot to my old-age home, too. We would often meet. I cannot imagine him gone. He was too young to pass away. He has spread ghazal across the world. He made it reach to the common man. There would be no man who wouldn't have listened to Pankaj Udhas songs. It is a great loss to the ghazal space. He knew how to treat people with respect. I have never seen a person so gentle and loving towards everybody."
'One of the kindest gentlemen in the music business'
Sophie Choudry posted on X, "Heartbreaking. One of the kindest gentlemen in the music business. Was always so warm and encouraging from the first time we met. My deepest condolences to Faridaji and the family. Rest in Peace Pankaj ji. Thank you for the music ??? #pankajudhas"
Singer-composer Rahul Vaidya expresses shock over Pankaj Udhas' demise
Expressing his shock over the demise of Pankaj Udhas, singer and composer Rahul Vaidya offered condolences to Pankaj's family.
"It is extremely shocking, I didn't know he was ill. Very sad, there is a big void left in the ghazal space now. He was an icon. I had the good privilege of meeting him at social occasions, he was extremely sweet, full of grace, and very forthcoming. My condolences to the family," he told The Indian Express.
"I wish more youngsters take up ghazal as a singing profession. Unfortunately, it's a dying art, after Jagjitji and now Pankajji passing away, there will be a big void. May his soul rest in peace."
Pankaj Udhas to be laid to rest tomorrow
“Pankaj sir was suffering from a prolonged illness and wasn’t keeping well the last few days. He died this morning around 11 am,” his team told The Indian Express. The legendary ghazal and playback singer's funeral will be held tomorrow.
Pankaj Udhas no more
Renowned ghazal and playback singer Pankaj Udhas passed away at the age of 72 after battling a prolonged illness. "With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on February 26, 2024, due to a prolonged illness," his family said in a statement.