Pankaj Udhas Passes Away: Ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhasdied on Monday (February 26) in Mumbai after a prolonged illness at the age of 72. His daughter Nayyab confirmed the sad news on social media, “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. Udhas family.” His last rites will take place on Tuesday.
Pankaj Udhas’ rep also told indianexpress.com, “Pankaj sir was suffering from a prolonged illness and wasn’t keeping well for the last few days. He died this morning around 11 am at Breach Candy hospital.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Pankaj Udhas’ death. “We mourn the loss of Pankaj Udhas Ji, whose singing conveyed a range of emotions and whose Ghazals spoke directly to the soul. He was a beacon of Indian music, whose melodies transcended generations. I recall my various interactions with him over the years. His departure leaves a void in the music world that can never be filled. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” the PM wrote.
We mourn the loss of Pankaj Udhas Ji, whose singing conveyed a range of emotions and whose Ghazals spoke directly to the soul. He was a beacon of Indian music, whose melodies transcended generations. I recall my various interactions with him over the years.
His departure leaves… pic.twitter.com/5xL6Y3Sv75
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 26, 2024
Born in a musically inclined family in Gujarat, Pankaj was the youngest of three brothers. Both his brothers — Manhar Udhas and Nirmal Udhas — established their careers in singing and Pankaj followed their example. While he initially wanted to learn tabla, his interest gradually moved to ghazals.
