Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas dies at 72 after prolonged illness

Renowned ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, best known for Chitthi Ayee Hai and Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein, died in Mumbai on Monday following a 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 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.

The last rites will be held on Tuesday.

Udhas was born in 1951 in Jetpur, Gujarat, and followed in the footsteps of his elder brother, Manhar Udhas, who was a well-known singer in Bollywood.

He has released over 60 solo albums and collaborated with other artists on several projects.

Udhas is the recipient of India's fourth-highest civilian honour, the Padma Shri award, as well as the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for ghazal singing.

"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 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X.

"His departure leaves a void in the music world that can never be filled. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti," he added.

(With inputs from YourStory)