Jeeye toh jeeye kaise...: Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas’ death has plunged the entertainment industry into gloom. Celebs pay their heartfelt condolences…

Gurnaaz Kaur

IN the corridors of Indian music, the soul-stirring ghazals of Pankaj Udhas have left an indelible mark, captivating hearts and transcending generations. Today, the world mourns the loss of this legendary ghazal singer, who passed away at the age of 72 in Mumbai. The news was confirmed by his daughter Nayaab Udhas, citing a prolonged illness, with some reports saying the singer was battling cancer.

SUPERHIT SONGS

Chithi aayee hai (Naam)

Chandi jaisa rang hai tera (A Life Story Vol 1)

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Na kajre ki dhar (Mohra)

Dhal gaya chand (Monsoon)

Ghungroo tut gaye (A life Story Vol 1)

Jiye to jiye kaise (Saajan)

Ye kya kya dekhti hai ye zindagi (Meherbaan)

Aaj phir tum pe (Lost and Found)

Jiyen to jiyen kaise (Yaad)

Main deewana hoon (Yeh Dillagi)

Nayaab took to social media and wrote, “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.

SOULFUL GHAZALS

Jheel mie chand

Niklo na benaqab (Nayab Vol 1) 1985

Ek taraf uska ghar

Mai nashe mie hoon

Aaur aaista kijiye baatein

Thodi thodi piya karo

Shikwe bhi hazaron hain

Mohabbat inayat kaarm dekhte hain

Ek ek ho jaye

Aankhe hain ya jame sharaab

Born on May 17, 1951, in Gujarat, Pankaj came from a musically gifted family, with both of his elder brothers, Manhar Udhas and Nirmal Udhas, paving the way in the world of singing. Drawn initially to the rhythmic beats of the tabla, Pankaj eventually found his calling in ghazals. He also learnt Urdu to enrich his craft. His musical journey took off in the 1980s and it was in the 1990s when he rose to prominence, becoming a maestro in the realm of ghazal and playback singing. His velvety voice, resonant with emotion, touched the hearts of millions, making classics out of songs like Chitthi Aayi Hai, Aur Ahista, and Jeeye Toh Jeeye Kaise. Each note he sang seemed to carry the weight of timeless tales, captivating listeners and solidifying his status as a musical legend. His dedication to music was recognised with the Padma Shri award in 2006. It was in Naam where he appeared in the memorable ghazal, Chitthi…, for the first time. After that, he was seen in films such as Yeh Dillagi, Saajan and Phir Teri Kahaani Yaad Aayee.

Beyond music, Pankaj Udhas also touched hearts with his philanthropic work. In 1989, he released the album Nabeel, its first copy auctioned for an astounding Rs 1 lakh, an amount he generously donated to the Cancer Patients Aid Association.

Celebs pay tributes

Shankar Mahadevan: “Pankaj Udhas was a true well-wisher and a guiding light for us; his demise leaves a significant void in our music industry.”

Sonu Nigam: “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.”

Anup Jalota: “Shocking…. Music legend & my friend #PankajUdhas passes away. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Madhuri Dixit Nene: “Deeply saddened by the loss of a music legend, Pankaj Udas ji. His gazals touched the souls of people worldwide. His legacy will forever linger in our hearts! Om Shanti.”

Manoj Bajpyee: “Saddening! Rest in peace Pankaj Udhas ji! Had the privilege of listening to you and getting mesmerised by the sweet texture of your voice and sur.”

Abhishek Bachchan: “Very saddened by Pankaj Udhas ji’s passing. His demise is an irreplaceable loss to our music world. My sincere condolences to his family and friends in this difficult time.”

Manoj Joshi: “Pained by the demise of Pankaj Udhas ji, a legendary figure in the world of music. His passing leaves a void that will be hard to fill.”

Salim Merchant: “He entertained us for so many years and boosted the morale of the industry through his songs. He spread so much love through his songs. This has left a void in the music industry. We have lost a great artiste and a great person.”

Kumar Sanu: “Deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend, Pankaj Udhas ji. His profound contributions to the world of ghazals echo through time, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled artistry. May his soul find eternal peace.”

Anu Malik: “Saddened. Shocked. Anguished. The world has not only lost a great singer, But a greater human being, he was humble always, took compliments with a soft laughter. The music world, the ghazal world, all of us have lost a shining star, a gem of a human being.”