Sonu Nigam, Shankar Mahadevan pay tribute to ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas

Legendary ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas is no more. Informing about the 72-year-old's sad demise, his family issued a statement saying, “With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhar on February 26, 2024, due to a prolonged illness.” The news has left his fans, well-wishers and contemporaries in shock. Here’s how singers Sonu Nigam and Shankar Mahadevan offered their tributes to the late ghazal maestro. Read on...  

Sonu Nigam reacts to Pankaj Udhas’ demise  

Many people expressed shock over the sudden death of celebrated ghazal singer, Pankaj Udhas. One of the first people to react to his passing was singer Sonu Nigam. Taking to Instagram, Sonu wrote, “One of the most important part of my childhood is lost today. My heart cries knowing that you are no more...”  

Also Read: Pankaj Udhas passes away; celebs from Sonu Nigam to Shankar Mahadevan, Madhuri Dixit, Anup Jalota and others offer their condolences 

Shankar Mahadevan pays tribute to Pankaj Udhas  

While expressing his sadness, Shankar Mahadevan emphasised Udhas' impact on non-film music. Shankar Mahadevan, who looked up to the ghazal artist, spoke to ETimes as the music industry was still processing the shocking news. Sharing his thoughts, Shankar said, "Pankaj ji was a true well-wisher and a guiding light for us. He has been in the industry much before us and he was an inspiration to us. He is the one who got into non-film music and made it so popular.  

Stating Udhas as a true gentleman, Shankar Mahadevan said that the ghazal singer always filled with positive energy. "He was always encouraging us, blessing us with his positive comments,” he added. 

Shankar also praised Udhas’ daughter Nayaab who has taken after her father and is involved with organising some of the best events in India. Remembering the late ghazal singer’s beautiful family, Shankar pointed, “We are really going to miss Pankaj ji very badly. His demise leaves a significant void in our music industry because he was a very important person in the music fraternity whom we used to look up to not only for musical support but also for emotional support and for strength and brotherhood.”  

Pankaj Udhas: Life and beyond  

Pankaj Udhas was born in Jetpur, Gujarat, on May 17, 1951. In 1980, he launched his career with the release of the ghazal album Aahat and quickly came to be associated with ghazal music in India. The ghazal singer performed the famous song Chitthi Aayee Hai for Sanjay Dutt's movie Naam. Mahesh Bhatt directed the movie. Over the years, Pankaj hosted numerous live concerts and released multiple albums, which increased his popularity. In 2006, Pankaj Udhas was bestowed with Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian honour in India. The renowned ghazal singer was also very active on social media, frequently posting images and videos on Instagram, his last post was on Diwali.  

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