Pankaj Udhas Birth Anniversary: Remembering the Voice Behind India’s Most Iconic Ghazals

Indian playback singer Pankaj Udhas remains one of the most iconic figures in the world of Ghazal singing.

By Bollyy 17 May 2025 in Birthday Special

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Pankaj Udhas Remembering the Voice Behind India’s Most Iconic Ghazals

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Indian playback singer Pankaj Udhas remains one of the most iconic figures in the world of Ghazal singing. With a career spanning over four decades, Udhas’s soulful voice, poetic finesse, and musical innovation have left an indelible mark on Indian music. Whether through melancholic ghazals, romantic ballads, or spiritual bhajans, his contribution to Indian playback singing is both vast and memorable.

Pankaj Udhas: Early Life and Musical Roots

Pankaj Udhas Birth anniversary: Photos Of The Ghazal Singer Pankaj Udhas with Nargis Udhas, and daughters Naiya Udhas and Reva Udhas — Pankaj Udhas with wife Nargis Udhas, and daughters Naiya Udhas and Reva Udhas

Born on May 17, 1951, in Jetpur, Gujarat, Pankaj Udhas came from a musically inclined family. His elder brother, Manhar Udhas, was also a playback singer. Inspired by legends like Mehdi Hassan and Begum Akhtar, Pankaj Udhas trained in Indian classical music at Sangeet Natya Academy, Rajkot.

Breakthrough in Bollywood and Ghazal Popularity

Pankaj Udhas made his film playback debut in 1972 with the film Kamna, but it was the 1986 hit film Naam that catapulted him into stardom with the heart-wrenching song “Chitthi Aayi Hai”. This emotional number became a cult classic and showcased his unmatched ability to emote through his voice.

Following this, Udhas became a sought-after voice in Bollywood, known for blending Ghazal traditions with modern melodies. Albums like Aahat (1980), Mukarar, Tarrannum, Mehfil, and Nayaab remain cherished classics in Indian music history.

Dilip Kumar with Pankaj Udhas- Bollyy

Contributions to Indian Music and Cultural Legacy

Pankaj Udhas was not just a ghazal singer but a cultural ambassador. His efforts popularized Ghazal singing in India and internationally, especially among the Indian diaspora. He performed in over 500 concerts worldwide and received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 2006 for his contributions to music and society.

Ghazal singer Shri Pankaj Keshubhai Udhas Padma Shri Award by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on March 29, 2006

His ability to bring Urdu poetry to the masses made him one of the most beloved Ghazal maestros of all time. He often said, “A ghazal is not just a song; it is a complete story wrapped in melody.”

Pankaj Udhas Death and Legacy

Celebrities And Family Member At Pankaj Udhas House Shankar Mahadevan, Zakir Hussain And & more - YouTube

Pankaj Udhas passed away on February 26, 2024, after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a void in the Indian music industry. His daughter, Nayaab Udhas, continues to preserve his legacy through music festivals and digital archiving of his work.