Padma Shri Award winner and India's ghazal maestro,
Pankaj Udhas, passed away yesterday. On February 26, the entire nation was in shock after the news of his sudden death took over the internet. He was 73 years old. The singer's family confirmed the sad news and shared a statement on social media.
According to his team, Pankaj Udhas had not been keeping well for quite some time and was admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy hospital. "Pankaj Sir was suffering from a prolonged illness and wasn't keeping well for the last few days. He died this morning around 11 a.m. at Breach Candy Hospital," his team said.
The veteran singer was known for
soul-soothing songs like Chitthi Aayi Hai, Na Kajre Ki Dhar, Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai Tera, and more.
Nayaab Udhas on Pankaj Udhas death
It was the Chitthi Aayi Hai singer's daughter, Nayaab Udhas, who confirmed his passing and shared an official statement on Instagram.
Taking it to Instagram, Nayaab confirmed the sad news and wrote, "With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padma Shri Pankaj Udhas on February 26, 2024, due to a prolonged illness. Udhas family."
Also Read: Ghazal Maestro And Legendary Singer Pankaj Udhas Dies At 73 Of Prolonged IllnessIn her latest post, she even shared that Udhas' last rites will be held today. She mentioned the date and time of the venue in the same.
"In loving memory of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas, with a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of his demise on February 26, 2024, due to a prolonged illness. The funeral will take place on Tuesday, February 27, from 3 to 5 p.m. Venue: Hindu Crematorium. Worli (Mumbai) Landmark Opp. Four Seasons: Dr. E. Muses Rd. Worli. The Udhas Family," read Nayaab Udhas' post.
Anup Jalota on Pankaj Udhas' death
Bhajan singer and Pankaj's close friend, Anup Jalota, recalled his strong bond with the late singer as he spoke to ANI. He said, "I have lost my friend. People have lost Pankaj Udhas, a great Ghazal singer."
Also Read: Sonu Nigam To Shankar Mahadevan, Singers Mourn Ghazal Maestro Pankaj Udhas Death"The trio of Pankaj (Udhas), Talat (Aziz), and me was very famous. We did a lot of concerts together. I am very sad about the demise of Pankaj Udhas. He took Ghazal to every household and made a place for himself in people's hearts. It was a great contribution and can never be forgotten," Jalota further added.
The Bhajan singer further recalled his last meeting with Pankaj Udhas and shared how they were planning to encourage and build a platform for emerging ghazal singers.
"I had met him 4 to 5 months ago. He was very weak. He had lost weight. I was looking forward to meeting him. I could not meet him for 2 to 3 months. This is very sad news. We also started the Khazana Ghazal festival to give a
platform to young artists. We wanted to introduce the emerging ghazal singers. We wanted Ghazal to be alive in the hearts of people, and Pankaj Udhas also wanted the same," he concluded.
Radio City extends its heartfelt condolences to the late singer's friends and family. Rest in peace, legend. You will be missed.
