Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas dies at 72

Renowned ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, best known for "Chitthi Ayee Hai" and "Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein", died in Mumbai on Monday following prolonged illness, his daughter Nayab said. He was 72.Udhas, who also made a mark as a playback singer in many Hindi films, including "Naam", "Saajan" and "Mohra", died around 11 am at the Breach Candy hospital, a family source said."With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on 26th February 2024 due to a prolonged illness," Nayab wrote in an Instagram post.
Pankaj Udhas was a renowned Indian ghazal singer whose soulful renditions have captivated audiences for decades. Born on May 17, 1951, in Gujarat. He began his musical journey at a young age and rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s. He died around 11 am at the Breach Candy hospital, a family source said. His last rites will be held on Tuesday. Pankaj is survived by wife Farida Udhas, daughters Nayaab and Reva Udhas, and brothers Nirmal and Manhar Udhas, who are also singers.
Pankaj Udhas is best known for lending his voice to memorable tracks like Chitthi Aayi Hai from Mahesh Bhatt's 1986 crime thriller Naam, Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai from Pravin Bhatt's 1998 film Ek Hi Maqsad, Aaj Phir Tumpe from Feroz Khan's 1988 action thriller Dayavan, Jeeye To Jeeye Kaise from Lawrence D'Souza's 1991 romantic film Saajan, and Chhupana Bhi Nahi Aata from Abbas-Mustan's 1993 revenge thriller Baazigar among others.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Pankaj Udhas' "ghazals spoke directly to the soul"."We mourn the loss of Pankaj Udhas Ji, whose singing conveyed a range of emotions and whose Ghazals spoke directly to the soul. He was a beacon of Indian music, whose melodies transcended generations. I recall my various interactions with him over the years," said the Prime Minister. Condoling the loss, Home Minister Amit Shah said Pankaj Udhas' songs touched the hearts of people of all ages and classes and he will live among us through his songs and ghazals.
Pankaj Udhas was born in Jetpur in Gujarat on May 17, 1951. He was the youngest of three brothers.He initially started by learning the instrument tabla but later studied Hindustani vocal classical music under Ghulam Qadir Khan Sahab.Udhas then went to Mumbai to learn from Navrang Nagpurkar, a vocalist from the Gwalior Gharana.