Pankaj Udhas: A Tribute to the Ghazal Maestro Whose Melodies Touched Hearts

MUMBAI, FEB 27: Pankaj Udhas, the legendary ghazal maestro whose soulful renditions touched the hearts of millions, passed away on Monday, leaving behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the world of music. He was 72.

Born on May 17, 1951, in Jetpur, Gujarat, Pankaj Udhas was destined for greatness in the realm of music. His family’s musical lineage, coupled with his own innate talent, set the stage for a remarkable career that spanned several decades. Pankaj Udhas’s grandfather, the first graduate from their village, and his father, a government servant, both learned to play the dilruba from the renowned veena player Abdul Karim Khan. It was in this rich musical environment that Udhas’s love for music and ghazals blossomed.

Udhas’s journey in the world of music began at a tender age of five when he performed on stage, singing the famous song ‘Ai Mere Watan Ke Logon’ by Lata Mangeshkar during the India-China war. This early exposure to music laid the foundation for his future success.

He launched his career with the ghazal album ‘Aahat’ in 1980, which was followed by three other critically acclaimed albums, ‘Mukarar,’ ‘Tarrannum,’ and ‘Mehfil.’ However, it was his hit song ‘Chitthi Aayee Hai’ from the movie ‘Naam’ in 1986 that catapulted him to stardom and made him a household name. The song was later picked as one of the top 100 songs of the millennium by BBC Radio worldwide.

Udhas’s contribution to the world of music extended beyond his own performances. He was instrumental in making ghazals accessible and relatable to the middle-class Indian in the 1980s, alongside other stalwarts like Jagjit Singh and Chitra Singh. His music provided comfort and solace to listeners, whether they were enjoying it with a drink and chakhna in hand or at a Mughlai food restaurant. He brought the ghazal home, making it no longer the preserve of the Urdu-waxing cultural elite who followed Pakistani singers.

Udhas remained faithful to his music, adapting to changing times while staying true to his art. His approach to sound, poetry, and composition always stayed fresh and emotionally resonant. Hits like ‘Ghungroo Toot Gaye’ and ‘Sone Jaise Baal Hain Uske’ continue to hold sway in pop culture, a testament to his enduring influence.

Udhas’s passing marks the end of an era in the world of music. His melodious voice, his heartfelt renditions, and his profound impact on the ghazal genre will be remembered and cherished by generations to come. He is survived by his wife Farida Udhas, daughters Nayaab and Reva Udhas, and brothers Nirmal and Manhar Udhas, who are also singers.

The last rites of the singer will be performed on Tuesday, with his mortal remains being kept at his home for the last darshan before his cremation in Worli from 3 to 5 pm. People associated with the film industry and politics are expected to arrive to pay their last respects to Pankaj Udhas. He will be given a final farewell with state honors, a fitting tribute to a musical icon who touched the lives of millions with his soulful voice and timeless music.

BY – KASHISH JAIN