Renowned ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, aged 72, breathed his last on February 26 in Mumbai following a prolonged illness. The musical icon had been undergoing treatment at a Mumbai hospital. The somber procession for his final journey commenced from his Mumbai residence, where the Mumbai Police paid their respects with a state salute.
Pankaj Udhas was laid to rest at Mumbai’s Hindu Crematorium on February 27 at around 5 pm. A multitude of well-known personalities, including Sonu Nigam, Vidya Balan, Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan, and Sunil Gavaskar, attended the cremation to bid their final farewells to the ghazal maestro. During the emotional funeral, Pankaj Udhas’ daughter broke down in tears. His elder brother, Mamanhar Udhas, was also present at the poignant ceremony.
The sad news of Pankaj Udhas’ demise was confirmed by his daughter Nayaab, who shared a heartfelt statement on social media. Nayaab expressed, “With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on 26th February 2024 due to a prolonged illness. Udhas family.” The celebrated musician is survived by his wife Farida and daughters Reva and Nayaab.
In 2006, Pankaj Udhas was bestowed with the prestigious Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the world of music. Among his celebrated works are timeless ghazals such as ‘Chitthi Aayee Hai,’ ‘Na Kajare Ki Dhar,’ and ‘Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai Tera,’ among others.
