Pankaj Udhas was suffering from pancreatic cancer, confirms friend Anup Jalota

On February 26, the music world lost a gem. The veteran singer Pankaj Udhas passed away at the age of 72. The music maestro who has given timeless hits like ''Chitthi Aayee Hai", "Ahista", "Thodi Thodi Piya Karo" breathed his last in Mumbai after a prolonged illness. Hours after the saddening news of the legendary singer's death was shared, his friend and singer Anup Jalota revealed that the 72-year-old singer had been battling cancer.

Speaking to Indian Express, Jalota said Pankaj was suffering frompancreatic cancer and he had known about his health condition for the last five to six months.

Mourning the loss of hisfriend, Anup said that Pankaj helped so many cancer patients and the singer himself died of the same disease. Hesaid, “People have lost Pankaj Udhas, but I have lost a very dear friend today. We were friends for 45 years. We used to spend beautiful evenings together. In those days, Pankaj, me, and Talat Aziz were famous. We would work together.”

“The man who helped so many cancer patients, himself died of cancer. That is life. He had pancreatic cancer. I knew this for the last 5 to 6 months, and he stopped talking to me in the last 2-3 months, so I realised that his health was not okay. I feel very sad that this illness took his life.”

Pankaj's death was confirmed by her daughter Nayaab. In a statement, she said, “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.”

The music maestro's death has left a huge void that would be impossible to fill. With his honeyed voice, the singer has sung several songs and ghazals like "Chitthi Aayee Hai", "Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai'', "Jeeye To Jeeye Kaise'', ''Aaj Phir Tumpe'' among others, that went on to become timeless hits.

For his immense contribution to the world of music, he was awarded Padmashree, the fourth-highest civilian award of India.

Pankaj is survived by his wife Farida Udhas, daughters Nayaab and Reva Udhas. His last rites will be held on Tuesday (Feb 26).