Renowned playback singer Sonu Nigam bid his final farewell to the late ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas at the funeral held on Tuesday, February 27. A circulating video captures the emotional tribute, showcasing Nigam visibly moved as he embraces fellow singer Shaan and wipes away tears during the final rites.
The funeral, attended by various celebrities including Vidya Balan, Zakir Hussain, and Shankar Mahadevan, saw heartfelt tributes to Pankaj Udhas. Shankar Mahadevan, speaking to the paparazzi, fondly remembered the late singer as a “gentle soul” and praised him as a “remarkable musician” who popularized ghazals among the masses.
The demise of Pankaj Udhas, who succumbed to a prolonged illness on February 26 in Mumbai, was announced by the family through a press statement expressing deep sorrow. Shankar Mahadevan, in an exclusive statement, lamented Udhas’ passing, describing him as a “true well-wisher” and a “guiding light” for the music industry.
Anup Jalota revealed that Pankaj Udhas had been battling pancreatic cancer for the past two to three months. Jalota expressed sadness over the loss, stating, “The man who assisted numerous cancer patients succumbed to cancer himself.” He disclosed that Udhas had ceased communication in the last few months, indicating deteriorating health.
Pankaj Udhas, born on May 17, 1951, in Jetpur, Gujarat, marked his musical journey with the release of the ghazal album ‘Aahat’ in 1980. Recognized as a pioneer of ghazal music in India, Udhas further solidified his presence in Bollywood with the iconic track ‘Chitthi Aayee Hai’ for Sanjay Dutt’s film ‘Naam.’ Over the years, he released numerous albums, held live concerts, and received India’s fourth-highest civilian award, the Padma Shri, in recognition of his contributions to music.
