Ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas passed away on Monday (26^th February) in Mumbai after a prolonged illness at the age of 72. His daughter Nayyab confirmed the sad news on social media, “With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padma Shri Pankaj Udhas on 26th February 2024 due to a prolonged illness”.

Reports revealed that Pankaj was suffering from a prolonged illness and wasn’t keeping well for the last few days. He died this morning around 11 am at Breach Candy hospital.

With memorable ghazals such as Chitthi Aayi Hai from the movie ‘Naam’, Na Kajre Ki Dhar from ‘Mohra’, Chandi Jaisa Rang, Ek Taraf Uska Ghar and Ahista to his credit, Pankaj was famous for his velvet voice. His first big break was a song in the film ‘Kamna’, but he eventually found his calling in ghazals. He also learned Urdu to hone his skills and went on to regale music lovers in India and abroad with his work in cinema and albums. His first ghazal album, ‘Aahat’, came out in 1980. He gave music lovers more than 50 albums and hundreds of compilation album.

Born in a musically inclined family in Gujarat, Pankaj was the youngest of three brothers, Manhar Udhas and Nirmal Udhas.

Pankaj Udhas is survived by wife Farida Udhas and daughters Nayaab and Reva.