Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas has passed away at the age of 72. Singer was suffering from a long illness. Sigar’s family has issued a statement informing about his demise. The statement reads- ‘With a very heavy heart, we are sad to inform you of the tragic demise of Padmashree Pankaj Udhas on 26 February 2024 due to prolonged illness.’
Pankaj Udhas died today at 11 am in Mumbai. For some time, he was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. He breathed his last in this hospital. According to the information, Pankaj Udhas was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago and he was not meeting anyone for the last few months. His last rites will be performed tomorrow in Mumbai.
Singer was battling pancreatic cancer
Singer Anup Jalota, while talking to ABP News, has confirmed that Pankaj Udhas was suffering from pancreatic cancer. He came to know about it four months ago.
PM Modi posted his tribute
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the demise of Pankaj Udhas. He has paid tribute to the late singer by sharing some photos on X. PM Modi wrote- ‘We mourn the demise of Pankaj Udhas ji, whose singing expressed many emotions and whose ghazals spoke directly to the soul, he was a beacon of Indian music, whose tunes were loved for generations. Were coming from. I remember my various conversations with him over the last few years. His demise has left a void in the music world which can never be filled. Condolences to his family and fans. om Shanti.’
Got fame overnight
Pankaj Udhas was a big name in the world of ghazal singing. He got fame with the ghazal ‘Chitthi Aayi Hai’. This ghazal was in the film ‘Naam’ released in 1986. Pankaj lent his voice to many ghazals which include ‘Yeh Dillagi’, ‘Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayi’, ‘Chale To Kat Hi Jayega’ and ‘Tere Bin’. Apart from this, ‘Na Kajre Ki Dhar’, ‘Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai Tera’ are among the memorable songs of Pankaj.
Pankaj was honored with these awards
Pankaj Udhas proved his mettle in singing and was honored with many awards for his excellent voice. The most important among these is the Padmashree Award which was given to him in 2006.
Pankaj belonged to singing background
Pankaj Udhas was born on April 17, 1951 in Sarvkund, Gujarat. He belonged to a singing background right from the beginning. His elder brother Manhar Udhas was already known as a playback singer in Bollywood. His other brother Nirmal Udhas was also an excellent ghazal singer.
When 51 rupees were received as reward
Pankaj Udhas’ elder brother Manhar was also a theater actor. Pankaj worked with him and sang Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon on his first stage and the audience was impressed by his voice. Then a spectator gave Rs 51 to Pankaj as a reward. Later Pankaj Udhas joined Sangeet Natya Academy and started playing tabla. After graduating from St. Xavier’s College, he worked in a bar.