Pankaj Udhas passed away on 26th February
Legendary ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas passed away on Monday, February 26, following a prolonged illness. He was laid to rest in the Hindu Crematorium at Mumbai's Worli. The ghazal legend was given a final farewell with full state honours.
Pankaj Udhas' mortal remains were brought from his residence wrapped in the tricolour. Bands and troops gave him a heroic farewell with a gun salute. Several celebrities came to pay their last respects to the ghazal maestro. Pankaj Udhas' body was brought to the Crematorium in an Ambulance.
Musicians Shankar Mahadevan, Sonu Nigam, Vishal Bhardwaj, Rekha Bhardwaj, Ustad Zakir Hussain were spotted arriving at the house of the singer. Recalling the Ghazal maestro, Shankar Mahadevan told the media, "He had a positive approach towards everything in life. May God give his family abundant strength to bear this big loss. I am in a state of shock."
Sonu Nigam, while extending his condolences, wrote, "One of the most important part of my childhood, is lost today. Shri Pankaj Udhas ji, I will miss you forever. My heart cries knowing that you are no more. Thank you for being there. Om Shanti"
A Padma Shri recipient, Pankaj Udhas passed away on Monday at the age of 72. The news of his demise was confirmed by his family via a statement. "With profound sadness, we inform you of the passing of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on February 26th due to a prolonged illness. -- The Udhas Family," the statement read.
Pankaj Udhas was born on May 17, 1951, in Jetpur, Gujarat. In addition to ghazals, he was well-known for his film work. In 1980, he gained widespread popularity for his solo ghazal album 'Aahat.' Later, he recorded other successes, including 'Mukarar' (1981), 'Tarrannum' (1982), 'Mehfil' (1983), and many more. Some of his popular renditions are 'Chitthi Aayi Hai,' 'Chandani Raat Mein,' 'Na Kajre Ki Dhaar,' 'Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein,' 'Ek Taraf Uska Ghar,' and 'Thodi Thodi Piya Karo.'
