10 best songs of Pankaj Udhas and why was the ghazal singer reluctant to sing Chitthi Aayi Hai

Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas passed away, aged 72, on February 26, following a prolonged illness. (Image via X)

Pankaj Udhas, the name is often synonymous with the music – ghazals – of melancholia, despondency, heartbreak, always with a timbre of an irredeemable sadness, of sorrow drowned in the intoxication of alcohol. On the other hand, he has sung a string of soft, melodic romantic pieces, praising the beloved’s features or conveying the heaviness of the act of living without the presence of the beloved. And then are other iconic songs, like Chitthi aayi hai (from the film Naam, starring Sanjay Dutt), which became as much of an iconic patriotic song in the '80s just as Sandese aate hai (Border) would become in the next decade. This timeless ghazal, Chitthi aayi hai, is a poignant portrayal of separation and longing, evoking the emotions of receiving a letter from a distant lover.

In an interview in 2020 to The Statesman, ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, who passed away aged 72 on February 26 following a prolonged illness, had said, ‘Media doesn’t support non-film music’. The lack of a medium for non-film music to be promoted hurt a generation of ghazal singers, who enjoyed singing in Bollywood films in the '70s-'80s, too, in addition to non-film concerts and music videos of the '90s.

Udhas, younger brother of ghazal singer Manhar Udhas, had started Khazana Artist Aloud Talent Hunt, part of Khazana, which he launched two decades ago for two reasons: to raise funds for the treatment of cancer patients and children who suffer from thalassemia; and to create a platform for the younger generation to showcase their ghazal singing talent.

Here is a list of Pankaj Udhas' popular songs, both film and non-film ghazals and songs, in no particular order:

1) Chitthi Aayi Hai; Naam (1986)

In an interview with Lehren, Pankaj Udhas reminisced about a pivotal moment in his career, revealing his initial reluctance to lend his voice to the Chitthi Aayi Hai. Recounting the circumstances surrounding the offer, Udhas shared how he thought he was being approached the Sanjay Dutt-starrer film Naam’s producer Rajendra Kumar (veteran actor and father of actor Kumar Gaurav) for an acting gig. Udhas had shared, “When the opportunity arose for me to be a part of this song, I hesitated. Acting was never my forte, and I was apprehensive about stepping into that realm.” When he realised that the filmmaker simply wanted a cameo appearance by Pankaj Udhas as himself singing the song, the ghazal singer readily agreed.

2) Niklo Na Benaqab

3) Aahista Kijiye Baatein

4) Chandi Jaisa Rang

5) Sach Bolta Hoon Main

6) Jeeyein toh Jeeyein Kaise; Saajan (1991)

7) Na Kajre ki Dhaar; Mohra(1994)

8) Aaj Phir Tum Pe; Dayavan(1988)

9) Main Deewana Hoon Mujhe; Yeh Dillagi (1994)

10) Aadmi Khilona Hai; Aadmi Khilona Hai (1993)

11) Ek Taraf Uska Ghar