Pankaj Udhas is known for his poignant hits ‘Chitti Aayi Hai’, ‘Aaj Phir Tum Pe Pyar Aaya’

Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas passed away at 72 after a prolonged illness on Monday.

Padma Shri Pankaj Udhas’ gayaki was not just about weaving emotions into verses and melodies, but doing it in such an inimitable way, that each of his songs were etched into the memories of his fans.

Whether it was the superhit tear-jerker ‘Chitthi Aayi Hai’ from Mahesh Bhatt’s Naam (1986) starring Sanjay Dutt, Kumar Gaurav, Amrita Singh, Poonam Dhillon, Ashutosh Gowarikar, or the heart-wrenching love song ‘Jeeye to Jeeye Kaise’ from Lawrence D'Souza's Saajan (1991) starring Sanjay Dutt, Madhuri Dixit and Salman Khan or the love song of all times that received cult status with its remake, Aaj Phir Tum Pe Pyar Aaya (Dayavan, 1988) starring Madhuri Dixit and Vinod Khanna. He changed the face of ghazals in the Hindi film industry.

‘Chitthi Aayi Hai’ was a poignant portrayal of longing and separation that struck a chord with listeners worldwide and catapulted him to unparalleled fame. The ghazal maestro’s voice was like a conduit for emotions, and his renditions transcending linguistic barriers, were a rare blend of pathos, passion, and poignancy, leaving listeners spellbound.

Born on May 17, 1951, in Gujarat, India, he had begun his musical journey with a harmonium gifted by his elder brother, Manhar Udhas and this humble beginning blossomed into a legendary career that redefined the landscape of ghazal singing. His first album ‘Aahat’ was released in 1980, and over a four-decade long career he gave us innumerable hits, including Na Kajare Ki Dhar (Mohra, 1994), Rishta Tera Mera (Jai Vikraanta), Aur Bhala Kya Maangu Main Rab Se (Thanedaar), Mat Kar Itna Garoor (Aadmi Khilona Hai, 1993), Aur Aahista Kijiye Baatein, Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai Tera, Thodi Thodi Piya Karo and many others.

With his earthy renditions and profound understanding of poetry, the late maestro has not just sung ghazals; he has elevated them to a divine experience, captivating hearts across generations.

The veteran ghazal maestro breathed his last due to prolonged illness, on Monday morning at 11, on February 26, 2024, at the Breach Candy Hospital in south Mumbai.