Sonu Nigam reacts to Pankaj Udhas' death aged 72: 'Will miss you forever'

Sonu Nigam wrote on Instagram that he would miss Pankaj Udhas forever.

Music lovers in India and around the world were in a state of mourning after legendary ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas died at the age of 72 on Monday after a prolonged spell of illness.

Many leading singers and songwriters took to social media to express their condolences at the death of Udhas, one of whom was Sonu Nigam who wrote that he would miss the singer forever and admitted that an important part of his childhood had been lost, after his death.

"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," Nigam wrote on Instagram on Monday.

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A post shared by Sonu Nigam (@sonunigamofficial)

The news of Udhas' death was announced by his family through a statement on Monday and led to an outpouring of grief with leading personalities, both from the world of music and elsewhere expressing their condolences.

"With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on February 26, 2024, due to a prolonged illness," the statement read.

Udhas, who had a notable career as a playback artist in Bollywood films such as "Naam," "Saajan," and "Mohra," breathed his last at around 11 am.

Over the years, Udhas released numerous albums and graced the stage with many live concerts and recognizing his contributions, he was bestowed with India's fourth-highest civilian award, the Padma Shri.

Also read: Remembering Pankaj Udhas, the ghazal icon who wanted to become a doctor