Today, February 26, in morning 11 o’clock Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas left the world. The 72 year old has sadly passed away in, Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai, due to a prolonged illness.
Pankaj’s daughter Nayaab Udhas confirmed the news on social media. Born in Gujarat, he was trained in classical music. He moved to Mumbai to learn from singer Navrang Nagpurkar who belonged to Gwalior gharana. Udhas is known for songs like Chitthi Ayee Hai and Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein.
“With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padma Shri Pankaj Udhas on February 26 due to a prolonged illness,” the family disclosed.
Pankaj Udhas’s Journey to Music
The singer’s first stage performance was during the India-China war, singing “Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo.” The song is still popular and one of the most patriotic song. Pankaj Udhas has 3 siblings, all of them involved with music. Belonging to a music family tilt his inclination for the industry and he joined Rajkot Sangeet Academy with his brothers. Then the singer chose Ghulam Qadir Khan Sahab as his master and learnt Hindustani vocal classical music from him. After which Pankaj shifted to Mumbai and took training from Navrang Nagpurkar.
Pankaj Udhas’s Family
The 72 year old singer has left his family behind him which includes wife Farida Udhas and daughters Nayaab and Reva.
Condolences flooded in from the music industry after his unexpected demise. The family announced that the last rites will take place on Tuesday.
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Singer Sonu Nigam
Singer Sonu Nigam was one of the first to react to his passing. Sonu wrote on his Instagram, “A significant part of my childhood has left us today. Mr. Pankaj Udhas ji, you will always be remembered. My heart mourns your absence. Thank you for being a part of my life. Rest in peace.”