Pankaj Udhas, India’s Ghazal Legend, Dies at 73

India’s beloved ghazal maestro and Padma Shri awardee, Pankaj Udhas, breathed his last today in Mumbai at the age of 72, after battling a prolonged illness. The iconic vocalist, known for his soul-stirring renditions, succumbed to his health complications at 11 a.m., with his family confirming the news to his admirers.

Born on May 17, 1951, in Jetpur, Gujarat, Pankaj Udhas was immersed in a musical environment from a tender age, being born into a family of musicians. Following the footsteps of his father, Manohar Udhas, a renowned Gujarati folk singer, and his elder brother Nirmal Udhas, a notable ghazal artist, Pankaj embarked on his musical journey.

His career soared to great heights with the release of his debut album ‘Aahat’ in 1980, which swiftly garnered immense popularity, cementing his status as a promising ghazal singer of his era. Over the years, Udhas captivated audiences with his poignant and heartfelt melodies, weaving tales of love, pain, and nostalgia through his distinctive voice.

Among his timeless classics are ‘Chitthi Aayi Hai,’ a poignant narrative of separation, and ‘Chandi Jaisa Rang Tera,’ a mesmerizing ghazal from the movie ‘Pehchaan.’ His versatility shone through tracks like ‘Thodi Thodi Piya Karo’ and ‘Ek Taraf Uska Ghar,’ blending traditional elements with modern beats.