Remembering the Legacy of Ghazal Maestro Pankaj Udhas: A Musical Journey

Renowned Ghazal and playback singer, Pankaj Udhas, breathed his last on Sunday after battling a prolonged illness, leaving behind a treasure trove of timeless melodies that captivated audiences for decades.

Udhas, born in Jetpur, Gujarat, on May 17, 1951, later moved to Mumbai where he pursued his education at St. Xavier’s College and Sir BPTI Bhavanagar. Inheriting his love for music from his family, Udhas’ two brothers, Manhar Udhas and Nirmal Udhas, also made a mark in the music industry, with Manhar achieving fame as a playback singer in Bollywood.

Introduced to singing at a tender age by his brother, Udhas’s musical journey began with a poignant performance of Lata Mangeshkar‘s ‘Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo’ during the Indo-China War, where he received a gift of ₹51 for his stirring rendition.

After performing in Canada, Udhas made a significant debut in India with his album ‘Aahat’ in 1980, establishing himself as one of the most prominent Ghazal singers alongside legends like Jagjit Singh and Talat Aziz. His soulful renditions of Urdu verses continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.

Recognizing his invaluable contribution to Indian music, Udhas was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri in 2006. Some of his iconic songs, such as ‘Chande Jaisa Rang Hai Tera’ and ‘Aaj Phir Tumpe’ from Bollywood films like ‘Naam’ and ‘Aadmi Khilona Hai’, remain etched in the hearts of music lovers.