Pankaj Udhas

Pankaj Udhas (17 May 1951 – 26 February 2024) was an Indian ghazal and playback singer known for his works in Hindi cinema, and Indian pop. He started his career with the release of a ghazal album titled Aahat in 1980 and subsequently recorded many hits like 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, in which his song "Chitthi Aayee Hai" (A Letter Has Arrived) 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.^[5] His brothers Nirmal Udhas and Manhar Udhas are also singers.^[6]

Pankaj Udhas
Udhas in 2015
Background information
Born	(1951-05-17)17 May 1951 Jetpur, Saurashtra (now in Gujarat), India[1]
Died	26 February 2024(2024-02-26) (aged 72) Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Musical career
Genres	Ghazals
Occupation	Ghazal Singer
Instrument(s)	Vocals, Harmonium, Guitar, Piano, Violin, Tabla
Years active	1980–2024
Labels	EMI, T-Series
Awards Padma Shri (2006)[2][3][4]

Early life

Pankaj Udhas was born in Navagadh village of Jetpur in a Charan family of Gujarat.^[7][8][9] He was the youngest of the three brothers. His parents were Keshubhai Udhas and Jituben Udhas. His eldest brother Manhar Udhas achieved some success as a Hindi playback singer in Bollywood films. His second brother Nirmal Udhas is also a well-known Ghazal Singer and was the first of the three brothers to start singing in the family.

Udhas had studied in Sir BPTI Bhavanagar. His family moved to Mumbai and Pankaj attended St. Xavier's College there.^[10]

His family hails from a town named Navagadh near Rajkot and were zamindars (transl. traditional landlords). His grandfather was the first graduate from the village and went on to become the Diwan (revenue minister) of the Bhavnagar State. His father, Keshubhai Udhas, was a government servant and had met the renowned Veena player, Abdul Karim Khan, who taught him to play the dilruba.^[11] When Udhas was a child, his father would play the dilruba, a stringed instrument. Seeing his and his brothers' interest in music, his father enrolled them at the Sangeet Academy in Rajkot. Udhas initially enrolled himself to learn the tabla but later began learning Hindustani vocal classical music from Ghulam Qadir Khan Sahab. Udhas then moved to Mumbai to train under the tutelage of Navrang Nagpurkar, a singer from the Gwalior Gharana.^[12]

Career

A song titled Chandi Jaisa Rang hai tera, sone jaise bal (i.e. Your colour is like silver, your hair is like gold) was sung by Pankaj Udhas. Pankaj Udhas' older brother, Manhar Udhas was a stage performer who aided Pankaj in his introduction to musical performance. His first stage performance was during the Sino-Indian War, when he sang "Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo" and was given Rs. 51 by an audience member as a reward.^[13]

Four years later he joined the Sangeet Natya Academy in Rajkot and learned the nuances of playing the tabla. After that, he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree at Wilson College and St Xavier's college, Mumbai and started training in Indian classical vocal music under the tutelage of Master Navrang. Udhas's first song was in the film "Kamna" a solo composed by Usha Khanna and written by Naqsh Lyallpuri, the film was a flop, but his rendition was very much appreciated. Subsequently, Udhas developed an interest in ghazals and learned Urdu to try to pursue a career as a ghazal singer. He spent ten months in Canada and the US doing ghazal concerts and returned to India with renewed vigour and confidence. His first ghazal album, Aahat, was released in 1980. From this, he began to have success and, as of 2011 he had released more than fifty albums and hundreds of compilation albums. In 1986, Udhas received another opportunity to perform in film, in the film Naam, which brought him fame. In 1990, he sang the melodious duet "Mahiya Teri Kasam" with Lata Mangeshkar, for the movie Ghayal. This song achieved immense popularity. In 1994, Udhas sang the notable song, "Na Kajre Ki Dhar", from the film Mohra along with Sadhana Sargam which also became very popular. He continued working as a playback singer, making some on-screen appearances in films such as Saajan, Yeh Dillagi, Naam and Phir Teri Kahaani Yaad Aayee. His album Shagufta launched by Music India in December 1987 was the first to be released on compact disc in India.^[14] Later, Udhas started a talent hunt television program called Aadab Aarz Hai on Sony Entertainment Television.^[15] Actor John Abraham calls Udhas his mentor.^[16] Udhas's ghazals talk about love, intoxication and sharab.^[11]

The President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presenting Padma Shri to renowned ghazal singer Shri Pankaj Keshubhai Udhas, at investiture ceremony in New Delhi on 29 March 2006

Death

Pankaj Udhas died, aged 72, of a prolonged illness at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, on 26 February 2024.^[17] His funeral was held on 27 February 2024 at the Hindu Crematorium in Worli, Mumbai.^[18][19]

Awards

• 2006 – Padma shri for his contribution to the art of ghazal singing, his huge contribution to cancer patients and thallasemic children on the occasion of him completing 25 years of ghazal singing.
• 2006 – Prestigious "Kalakar" award at Kolkata for "Hasrat" as "Best Ghazal album of 2005".
• 2004 – Special Felicitation at the Wembley Conference Center, London for Completing 20 Years of Performance at the Prestigious Venue.
• 2003 – MTV Immies Award for the successful album 'In Search of Meer'.
• 2003 – Special Achievement Award at the Bollywood Music Award, New York for Popularizing Ghazals Across the Globe.
• 2003 – Dadabhai Naoroji Millennium Award conferred by the Dadabhai Naoroji International Society for Contribution to Ghazal and the Music Industry.
• 2002 – Award for Excellence in Music Field presented by Sahyog Foundation at Mumbai.
• 2002 – Honoured by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce.
• 2001 – Vocational Recognition Award for Outstanding Performance as a Ghazal singer presented by Rotary Club of Mumbai Downtown.
• 1999 – Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, USA Award for extraordinary services to Indian music, especially promotion of ghazals in India and abroad. Presented at the Festival of Ghazals held in New York.
• 1998 – Indian Arts Awards Gala presented by the Mayor of the City of Jersey City.
• 1998 – Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award presented by the American Academy of Artists at Atlantic City.
• 1996 – Indira Gandhi Priyadarshani Award for Outstanding Services, Achievement and Contribution to Music.
• 1994 – Honorary Citizenship of Lubbock Texas, USA.
• 1994 – Radio Lotus Award for Outstanding Achievement and for the many songs featuring on the official hit parade of the radio. Presented by Radio Lotus, South Africa at the University of Durban.
• 1993 – Giants International Award for extraordinary efforts to achieve the highest standards in the field of music thereby motivating the entire community to pursue excellence.
• 1990 – Outstanding Young Persons' Award (1989–90) for positive leadership and distinguished services rendered to the nation. Presented by the Indian Junior Chambers.
• 1985 – K L Saigal Award for being the Best Ghazal Singer of the Year.

Albums

• Aahat (1980)
• Nasha (1997)
• Mukarrar (1981)
• Tarrannum (1982)
• Mehfil (1983)
• Shamakhana
• Pankaj Udhas Live at Albert Hall (1984)
• Nayaab (1985)
• Legend
• Khazana
• Aafreen (1986)
• Shagufta
• Nabeel
• Aashiyana (1992)
• Anjana (1992)
• Ek Dhun Pyar Ki (1992)
• Rubayee
• Teen Mausam
• Geetnuma
• Kaif
• Khayaal
• Aman
• Woh Ladki Yaad Aati Hai
• Stolen Moments
• Mahek (1999)
• Ghoonghat
• Muskan
• Dhadkan
• Best of Pankaj Udhas Vol-1, 2
• Pankaj Udas 'Life Story' Vol-1, 2
• Pankaj Udhas Vol-1, 2, 3, 4
• Lamha
• Janeman
• Jashn (2006)
• Endless Love
• Shaayar
• Rajuat (Gujarati)
• Baisakhi (Punjabi)
• Yaad
• Kabhi Ansoo Kabhi Khushboo Kabhi Naghuma
• Humnasheen
• In Search of Meer (2003)
• Hasrat (2005)
• Bhalobasha (Bengali)
• Yaara – Music by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan
• Shabad – Music by Vaibhav Saxena^[20] and Gunjan Jha
• Shaayar (2010)
• Barbad Mohabbat
• Nasheela
• Sentimental (2013)
• Khamoshi Ki Aawaz (2014)
• Khwabon Ki Khahani (2015)^[21]
• Madhose
• Nayaab lamhe with Gulzar (2018)

Tracks

Year of Release	Song	Movies/Albums	Singer	Composer	Lyricist
1970	Munne Ki Amma Yeh To Bata	Tum Haseen Main Jawaan	Pankaj Udhas & Kishore Kumar	Shankar-Jaikishan	Rajinder Krishan
1986	Chitthi aayi hai	Naam	Pankaj Udhas	Laxmikant-Pyarelal
1988	Dil Se Dil Mila, Phir Kaisa Gila, Ho Gaya Pyar	Tamacha	Pankaj Udhas & Sharon Prabhakar	Bappi Lahiri
1988	Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai	Ek Hi Maqsad	Pankaj Udhas	Pankaj Udhas	Mumtaz Rashid
1988	Gaa Mere Sang Pyar Ka Geet Naya	Gunahon Ka Faisla	Pankaj Udhas & Lata Mangeshkar	Bappi Lahiri
1988	Aaj Phir Tumpe	Dayavan	Pankaj Udhas & Anuradha Paudwal	Laxmikant-Pyarelal
1988	Ek Ek Ho Jaye Phir Ghar Chale Jaana	Gangaa Jamunaa Saraswati	Pankaj Udhas & Kishore Kumar	Anu Malik	Indeevar
1988	Tere Dar Ko Chhod Chale		Pankaj Udhas
1989	Sahara Tere Intezaar Ka Hai	Hum Intezaar Karenge	Pankaj Udhas	Bappi Lahiri
1989	Yaad Aayi, Yaad Aayi, Bhuli Woh Kahani Phir Yaad Aayi	Gola Barood	Pankaj Udhas & Mohammed Aziz	Bappi Lahiri
1989	Tumne Rakh To Lee Tasveer Hamari	Lal Dupatta Malmal Ka	Pankaj Udhas & Anuradha Paudwal	Anand-Milind	Majrooh Sultanpuri
1989	Kuch Baat Hai Tum Mein Jo		Pankaj Udhas & Anuradha Paudwal
1989	"Bhool Bhulaiyya Sa Yeh Jeevan" "Dekh Ke Tumko" "Dil Ki Baatein Hain"	Gawaahi	Pankaj Udhas & Anuradha Paudwal	Uttam-Jagdish	Sardar Anjum
1990	Maahiya Teri Kasam	Ghayal	Pankaj Udhas & Lata Mangeshkar	Bappi Lahiri
1990	Ishq Mein Jaan Gawa Denge	Paap Ki Kamaee	Pankaj Udhas & Anuradha Paudwal
1990	Aur Bhala Main Kya Mangun Rab Se	Thanedaar	Pankaj Udhas & Lata Mangeshkar	Bappi Lahiri
1990	Mohabbat Inayat Karam Dekhte Hain	Bahaar Aane Tak	Pankaj Udhas & Anuradha Paudwal
1991	Jeeye To Jeeye Kaise	Saajan	Pankaj Udhas	Nadeem Shravan	Sameer
1991	Jaane Jaan Mujhe Aisa Kya Hua	Vishkanya	Pankaj Udhas & Penaz Masani	Bappi Lahiri
1992	Geet Banke Labon Pe	Adharm	Pankaj Udhas & Anuradha Paudwal	Anand-Milind	Sameer
1992	Dhadkane Saansein Jawani	Beta	Pankaj Udhas	Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen	Dilip Tahir
1992	Jo Geet Nahi Janma	Sangeet	Pankaj Udhas & Anuradha Paudwal	Anand-Milind	Santosh Anand
1992	Ek Pal Ek Din	Jigar	Pankaj Udhas & Sadhana Sargam	Anand-Milind	Sameer
1992	Apni Mohabbat Kabhi Kam Na Ho	Aaja Sanam	Pankaj Udhas	Arun Paudwal	Faaiz Anwar
1992	Kisi Ne Bhi To Na Dekha	Dil Aashna Hai	Pankaj Udhas	Anand-Milind
1993	Ye Kya Kya Dikhati Hai	Meherbaan	Pankaj Udhas	Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen	Rani Malik
1993	Dil Deta Hai Ro Ro Dohai	Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee	Pankaj Udhas
1993	Rabse Bhi Pehle Honthon Pe Meresaajan Tera	Izzat Ki Roti	Pankaj Udhas & Anuradha Paudwal	Bappi Lahiri
1993	Mat Kar Itna Guroor	Aadmi Khilona Hai	Pankaj Udhas & Alka Yagnik	Nadeem-Shravan
1993	Aadmi Khilona Hai (male)		Pankaj Udhas
1993	Tujhko Saanson Mein	Kasam Teri Kasam	Pankaj Udhas & Anuradha Paudwal	Naresh Sharma	Qatil Shiphai
1993	Teri Aankhen Meri Manzil				Faaiz Anwar
1993	Khuda Kare Mohabbat Mein	Sanam (film released in 1997)	Pankaj Udhas	Anand-Milind	Sameer
1993	Aankh Mere Yaar Ki Dukhe (Solo)	Ek Hi Raasta	Pankaj Udhas	Mahesh Kishor	Naqsh Lyallpuri
1993	Aankh Mere Yaar Ki Dukhe (Duet)		Pankaj Udhas & Kavita Krishnamurthy
1993	Chhupana Bhi Nahi Aata	Baazigar	Pankaj Udhas	Anu Malik	Rani Malik
1993	Mohabbaton Kaa Safar Hai (duet)	Mohabbaton Kaa Safar	Pankaj Udhas & Kavita Krishnamurthy	Khayyam	Salahuddin Pervez
1993	Mohabbaton Kaa Safar Hai (solo)		Pankaj Udhas
1993	Abhi Abhi Yeh Samjha Hai	Dil Apna Aur Preet Paraee	Pankaj Udhas	Usha Khanna	Yogesh
1994	Dil Jab Se Toot Gaya (Duet)	Salaami	Pankaj Udhas & Alka Yagnik	Nadeem-Shravan	Sameer
1994	Dil Jab Se Toot Gaya (Solo)		Pankaj Udhas
1994	Aankhon Ke Kaajal Se	Main Tera Aashiq (unreleased film)	Pankaj Udhas & Anuradha Paudwal	Naresh Sharma	Deepak Sneh
1994	Main Deewana Hoon Jisse	Yeh Dillagi	Pankaj Udhas & Saif Ali Khan
1994	Na Kajare Ki Dhaar[22]	Mohra	Pankaj Udhas
1994	Hothon Pe Tera Naam[23]	Main Khiladi Tu Anari	Pankaj Udhas
1994	Main Tumse Pyar Karta	Ghar Ki Izzat	Pankaj Udhas & Jaishree Shivram	Amar-Utpal
1994	Rishta tera mera (male version)[24]	Jai Vikraanta	Pankaj Udhas
1995	Aansu Judai Ke	Milan	Pankaj Udhas	Anand-Milind	Sameer
1996	Humne Khamoshi Se Tumhe Dil Mein Basaya Hai	Majhdhaar	Pankaj Udhas	Nadeem-Shravan
1997	Meethi Meethi Baatein	Kaalia	Pankaj Udhas & Jaishree Shivram	Anand Raj Anand
1997	Zindagi Ko Guzarne Ke Liye	Jeevan Yudh	Pankaj Udhas & Alka Yagnik	Nadeem-Shravan	Sameer
1999	"Chandakinta Chanda"[25]	Sparsha	Pankaj Udhas	Hamsalekha	Itagi Veeranna
1999	"Bareyada Mounada Kavite"		Pankaj Udhas, Kavita Krishnamurti, Archana Udupa		R. N. Jayagopal
2000	Ram Kare	Jung	Pankaj Udhas & Karsan Sagathia	Anu Malik
2000	Teri Aashiqui	Ghaath	Pankaj Udhas & Alka Yagnik	Anu Malik
2002	London Mein India	Yeh Hai Jalwa	Pankaj Udhas & Sukhwinder Singh	Anand Raj Anand	Dev Kohli
2004	Chandi Jaisa Rang (Live)[26]	Ghazal E Mohabbat, Vol. 1	Pankaj Udhas
2008	Ek Toh Sharab Kam	Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam	Pankaj Udhas	Anu Malik
2009	Main Dil Ki Dil Mein	Sanam Teri Kasam	Pankaj Udhas & Kumar Sanu	Nadeem-Shravan
2010	Sai Baba Geet Sudha	Malik Ek	Pankaj Udhas	Anup Jalota
2010	Maango Ram Te Japp Mann Mere Sau Din Safal Ganeya Pucho Sant Mero Dhan Dhan Hamare Das Tere Ki Binti Tu Sabni Thai Tujh Bin Awar	Shabad	Pankaj Udhas	Vaibhav Saxena & Gunjan Jha	Guru Granth Sahib[27]
2011	Palchhin[28]	Mata Ki Bhetein	Pankaj Udhas & Sanghamitra Bharali		Mohan Sharma
2011	Maiyya Pukaare Re (Duet)[29]
2011	Aarti[30]
2016	Raat Bhar Tanha Raha	Dil Toh Deewana Hai	Pankaj Udhas	Anand Raj Anand

References

1. "दुनिया को अलव‍िदा कह गए 'च‍िट्ठी आई है' गाने वाले पंकज उधास, 72 की उम्र में ली आख‍िरी सांस". आज तक (in Hindi). 26 February 2024. Archived from the original on 26 February 2024. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
2. "Pankaj Udhas: Journey from Aahat In 1980 To Winning Padma Shri; Iconic Moments Of Ghazal Maestro". TimesNow. 26 February 2024. Archived from the original on 26 February 2024. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
3. "Pankaj Udhas Birthday: पद्मश्री मिलने की खबर से अनजान थे पंकज उधास, दोस्त ने बताया तो दी थी मजेदार प्रतिक्रिया". Amar Ujala (in Hindi). Archived from the original on 26 February 2024. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
4. Tiwari, Himanshi; Hindi, India TV (26 February 2024). "'चिट्ठी आई है..' गाने से पंकज उधास को मिला था फेम, पद्मश्री पुरस्कार मिलने के पीछे है दिलचस्प किस्सा". India TV Hindi (in Hindi). Archived from the original on 26 February 2024. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
5. "Padma Shri Awardees". Retrieved 19 December 2011.
6. "Hailing from a farmer's family". Times of India. timesgroup. 27 February 2024. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
7. Tiwari, Himanshi; Hindi, India TV (26 February 2024). "गजल गायक पंकज उधास का निधन, गम में डूबे सेलेब्स ने दी श्रद्धांजलि". India TV Hindi (in Hindi). Retrieved 26 February 2024.
8. "Singer Jigardan Gadhvi mourns the demise of Pankaj Udhas: It feels like a very personal loss to the Charan-Gadhavi community as he belongs to our community". The Times of India. 26 February 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
9. "Pankaj Udhas, Bollywood Singer and Maestro of the Ghazal, Dies at 72". The New Yotk Times - Asia Pecific. 27 February 2024. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
10. Chauhan, Prerit. "RIP! Ghazal Legend Pankaj Udhas Passes Away". www.ptcpunjabi.co.in (in Marathi).
11. Gautham, Savitha (18 October 2001). "Intoxicated with poetry". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 10 October 2008. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
12. Singh, Swati (12 May 2018). "Pankaj Udhas: True to tradition". The Sunday Guardian Live. Archived from the original on 20 July 2021. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
13. Desk, INVC (26 February 2024). "Pankaj Udhas died today - know what were the reasons for his death". INVC. {{cite web}}: |last1= has generic name (help)
14. Limca Book of Records 1990.(Bombay, Bisleri:1990)
15. "Tribuneindia... Film and TV". Mukesh Khosala. TribuneIndia. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
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17. hindustan, times (27 February 2024). "Pankaj Udhas funeral: Singer laid to rest with gun salute; celebrity friends pay final respects". hindustantimes.vom. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
18. Sharma, Kumud (26 February 2024). "Mumbai: Famous Ghazal Emperor Pankaj Udhas Is No More, Dies At The Age Of 72 After Prolonged Illness". Retrieved 26 February 2024.
19. ET, Online (27 February 2024). "Pankaj Udhas funeral: Last journey begins, to be laid to rest with state honours". economicstimes.com. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
20. Tyagi, Avantika. "blending music to create a heady re-(mix)". the times of india. Noida. Retrieved 31 January 2015.
21. "पंकज उधास और आलोक श्रीवास्तव के 'ख़्वाबों की कहानी'" [Pankaj udhas and Alok Srivastava's Ghazal album "Khwabon Ki Kahani"]. Aaj Tak (in Hindi). 28 June 2015. Archived from the original on 20 July 2021. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
22. "Mohra (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Viju Shah on Apple Music". Itunes.apple.com. 2 April 1994. Archived from the original on 27 September 2016. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
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24. "Jai Vikraanta (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Anand–Milind on Apple Music". Itunes.apple.com. 3 August 1994. Archived from the original on 27 September 2016. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
25. "Sparsha (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". iTunes. Archived from the original on 16 February 2017. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
26. "Ghazal E Mohabbat, Vol. 1 by Various Artists on Apple Music". Itunes.apple.com. 15 April 2015. Archived from the original on 27 September 2016. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
27. "shabad by pankaj udhas". Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
28. "Mata Ki Bhetein by Pankaj Udhas & Sanghamitra Bharali on Apple Music". Itunes.apple.com. 15 July 2011. Archived from the original on 27 September 2016. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
29. "Mata Ki Bhetein by Pankaj Udhas & Sanghamitra Bharali on Apple Music". Itunes.apple.com. 15 July 2011. Archived from the original on 27 September 2016. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
30. "Aarti Song By Pankaj Udhas and Sanghamitra Bharali From Mata Ki Bhetein, Download MP3 or Play Online Now". Saavn.com. 17 September 2009. Archived from the original on 24 September 2016. Retrieved 1 December 2016.

External links

• Official website
• Pankaj Udhas at IMDb 
• Pankaj Udhas at Bollywood Hungama
• Pankaj Udhas on YouTube People & History - Biography