Singer Pankaj Udhas dies

Renowned Indian ghazal and playback singer Pankaj Udhas died after a suffering from prolonged illness, his family confirmed on Monday, reported ndtv.com. He was 72.

‘With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padma Shri Pankaj Udhas on 26 February due to a prolonged illness,’ read a statement from the Udhas family, added the report.

Pankaj Udhas started his career with a release of a ghazal album titled ‘Aahat’ in 1980 and subsequently recorded many hits, including Mukarar in 1981, Tarrannum in 1982, Mehfil in 1983, Pankaj Udhas Live at Royal Albert Hall in 1984, Nayaab in 1985 and Aafreen in 1986.

After his success as a ghazal singer, he was invited to appear and sing for a film by Mahesh Bhatt, Naam.

Udhas rose to further fame for singing in the 1986 film Naam, in which his song ‘Chitthi Aayee Hai’ became an instant hit. He did playback singing for many Hindi films after that. Albums and live concerts around the globe brought him fame as a singer. In 2006, Pankaj Udhas was awarded Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award.

The last rites will be held on Tuesday.