Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led tributes to Pankaj Udhas, the ghazal maestro who passed away in Mumbai on February 26 aged 72. The Padma Shri recipient had been battling a prolonged illness.
Taking to Instagram, Udhas' daughter Nayaab shared a statement that read: "With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padma Shri Pankaj Udhas on 26th February 2024 due to a prolonged illness."
Among the evergreen ghazals that Udhas lent his vocals to were Chitthi Aayi Hai, Chandani Raat Mein, Na Kajre Ki Dhaar, Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein, Ek Taraf Uska Ghar and Thodi Thodi Piya Karo. The singer's demise left the music industry in shock and in grief with many taking to social media to express their condolences.
Actor Madhuri Dixit Nene shared a picture on her Instagram stories that she captioned: "Deeply saddened by the loss of a music legend, Pankaj Udhas ji. His ghazals touched the souls of people worldwide. His legacy will forever linger in our hearts! Om Shanti."
Shilpa Shetty Kundra shared a picture on her Instagram stories, posting, "Om Shanti. Aapki awaz hum sabke saath hamesha rahegi (your voice will live on with us). Heartfelt condolences to Pankaj ji's loved ones."
Actor Sushmita Sen wrote: "Rest in peace sir. Beautiful soul."
Paying glowing tributes to the ghazal stalwart, singer-composer Salim Merchant said that the legendary singer boosted and enriched the music industry through his timeless melodies.
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The singer-composer mourned the passing of the singing stalwart, saying, "He entertained us for many years and boosted and enriched our industry through his evergreen ghazals and other songs. He spread the message of love and oneness through his songs.
“I have been in shock since I received the news of his demise. I still can't believe he is no more. The word of his passing made me speechless. He has left a massive void in the music industry. We have lost a great artiste and an even greater human being."
Renowned devotional singer Anup Jalota recalled his close bond with the late ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas and said, "I have lost my friend."
Jalota said, "People have lost Pankaj Udhas, lost a great ghazal singer. I have lost my friend. 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."
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He added, "I had met him four to five 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."
(ANI)
