Pankaj Udhas death: Legendary Indian ghazal singer passes away at 72
File image of Pankaj Udhas
Ghazal Singer Pankaj Udhas Death:Legendary singer Pankaj Udhas is no more.The veteranghazalsinger passed away on Monday (Feb 26) after a prolonged illness. He was 72 years old. The saddening news was shared by his daughter Nayaab Udhas.
The late singer was widely known for his soulful renditions and gazals. In his career spanning over decades, the singer has sung several songs and gazalslike ''Chitthi Aayi Hai,''"Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein,'' which went on to become cult classics.
Iconic singer Pankaj Udhas passes away: tributes pour in for the Ghazal maestro
His last rites will be held on Tuesday (Feb 26).
Daughter shared news of his demise
Veteran classical singer Pankaj Udhas’s daughter Nayaab shared the post onher Instagram handle.
)
'Not permitted ...': IIT Roorkee issues gag order as students' protest intensifies
)
'This should not happen in a democracy': Shashi Tharoor slams detention of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi after protest outside PM Modi's residence
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
World's top 7 most liveable cities in 2026 — Check where India and Pakistan stand
)
Trump announces 200% tariff on generic drugs: Here's what it means for 'Pharmacy of the World' India
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the F-22’s cockpit glass is thicker than a standard fighter jet
)
'We acted immediately...': Indian PM Modi breaks silence on paper leaks as NEET protest, calls for Education Minister's resignation grows
)
US-Iran war cost hits $37.5 billion as Hegseth seeks $67 billion more for Pentagon
)
IND vs ZIM, 1st T20I: When and where to watch live streaming in India?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 Indian batters with most T20I runs against Zimbabwe
)
FBI arrests alleged $547mn medicare fraud fugitive after 3-year global manhunt
)
'Don't waste...': CJI Surya Kant breaks silence on Delhi police brutality against protesting students
)
Dharmendra Pradhan's 1997 paper leak protest surfaces amid calls for resignation
)
'What is wrong...': Anna Hazare breaks silence on Sonam Wangchuk's protest, makes an appeal to Centre
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why US fighter jets use seamless bubble canopies compared to Russian jets
)
'George Soros playbook': Understanding the foreign funding network around Sonam Wangchuk
)
UP BTech gold medalist dies by suicide after failing in nearly 50 govt job attempts, leaves note for father
)
'Guru is the...': Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan shares message on education amid calls for his resignation
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (July 20-26, 2026): Musafir Cafe, Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya, 72 Hours- 5 new titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
Sonam Wangchuk's connection with George Soros and Ford Foundation explained!
)
Is Pentagon hiding missile shortage from Trump? US officials raise alarm over Iran war readiness
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters with most runs in India vs Zimbabwe T20Is
)
Kaylee Hottle was unconscious: Shocking details from first responders revealed after teen star's death
)
Salman Khan breaks silence on health concerns after viral Mumbai appearance
)
'Is that a back-up Trump?' Mysterious look-alike standing behind Donald Trump baffles netizens
)
Delhi Metro shuts 16 stations as NEET-UG protest continues at Jantar Mantar: Full list of affected routes
)
FIFA 2026 | 'I am truly sorry': Argentina's Enzo Fernandez, who get red card in final, reacts to loss
)
Student union leaders call off hunger strike at Jantar Mantar after civil society appeal, but protest continues
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.”
Born on May 17, 1951, in Jetpur, Gujarat, Udhas comes from a family ofmusicians. His father, Manohar Udhas, was a Gujarati folk singer, and his brother Nirmal Udhas was also a well-known ghazal singer.
He began his career in 1980 when he released his firstghazal album "Aahat". Further, he released ghazal albums that becameinstant hits like "Mukarrar" in 1981, "Tarrannum" in 1982, "Mehfil" in 1983,and "Aafreen" in 1986. After immense successin the world of ghazals,he was offered to sing in movies, which took his career to more heights. In 1986, the late musical maestro sang"Chitthi Aayee Hai" in Mahesh Bhatt's movie Naam starring Sanjay Dutt. The emotionalsong with heartfelt lyrics and Udhas' melodious voice continues to be a publicfavourite to date.
Udhas' other timeless hits include ''Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai'' from the 1998 film Ek Hi Maqsad, ''Jeeye To Jeeye Kaise'' from the 1991 film Saajan, "Aaj Phir Tumpe" from the 1988 film Dayavan and ''Chhupana Bhi Nahi Aata'' from 1993 Baazigar among others.
For his immense contribution to the world of music, he wasawarded Padmashree, thefourth-highest civilian award of India,the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshani Award, and the KalakarAward among others.
Pankaj is survived by his wife Farida Udhas, daughters Nayaab and Reva Udhas.
