Veteran singer Pankaj Udhas dies at 72

Veteran ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas is no more. The music legend died after a prolonged illness on Monday, February 26, aged 72. His daughter Nayaab Udhas confirmed the news with an Instagram post.

Fans took to social media to mourn his death. Here are the reactions.

Udhas, born in Gujarat in 1951, began his career with the ghazal album ‘Aahat’ (1980) and impressed listeners with his powerful songs. He then consolidated his standing in the industry with hits for albums such as ‘Mukarrar’, ‘Tarannum’, and ‘Nayaab’. His ghazals highlighted the power of love and featured moving lyrics.

Udhas is, however, best known for his unforgettable song ‘Chitthi Aayee Hai’ from Mahesh Bhatt’s ‘Naam’ . He also sang for movies such as ‘Aadmi Khilona Hai’, ‘Mohra’ and ‘Jai Vikranta’. Additionally, he made guest appearances in films like ‘Yeh Dillagi’ and ‘Saajan’.

Udhas started Aadab Aarz Hai, a talent hunt programme on Sony Entertainment Television , to mentor aspiring singers. In 2006, the Indian government awarded him with the Padma Shri. He shared a special bond with actor John Abraham, who considered him to be a mentor. In 2012, the Force star had revealed that the singer chose him for his music video Chupka Chupke during his initial years in the industry

“I look at sir (Pankaj Udhas) as a mentor because when I came into this industry as a model, the first person who graciously accepted me in his music video was sir,” he had told IANS.

Udhas’ death is a big loss for the music fraternity and marks the end of an era