Pankaj Udhas (17 May 1951 – 26 January 2024) was an Indian ghazal and playback singer renowned for his contributions to Hindi cinema and Indian pop music. He embarked on his musical journey with the release of the ghazal album titled “Aahat” in 1980, followed by several chart-topping hits such as “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. His breakthrough came with the 1986 film “Naam,” where his rendition of “Chitthi Aayee Hai” became an instant sensation, propelling him to greater fame. Subsequently, Udhas lent his melodious voice to numerous Hindi film soundtracks. He garnered global acclaim through his albums and live performances worldwide. In recognition of his contributions to music, Pankaj Udhas was conferred with the Padma Shri in 2006, India’s fourth highest civilian honor. Notably, his brothers Nirmal Udhas and Manhar Udhas are also accomplished singers.
Early Life and Family Background
Pankaj Udhas was born in Jetpur, Gujarat, to Keshubhai Udhas and Jituben Udhas. He is the youngest among three brothers, with his elder siblings being Manhar Udhas, a successful Hindi playback singer, and Nirmal Udhas, a renowned Ghazal Singer.
Family Heritage and Upbringing
The Udhas family traces its roots to Charkhadi, near Rajkot, where they were traditional landlords. Pankaj’s grandfather, the first graduate from the village, served as the Diwan (revenue minister) of the Bhavnagar State. His father, Keshubhai Udhas, was a government servant who had the privilege of learning the dilruba from the renowned veena player Abdul Karim Khan.
Musical Influence and Education
During his childhood, Pankaj Udhas developed a deep interest in music, inspired by his father’s mastery of the dilruba. Recognizing their musical inclination, his father enrolled Pankaj and his brothers in the Sangeet Academy in Rajkot. Initially trained in tabla, Pankaj later transitioned to Hindustani vocal classical music under the guidance of Ghulam Qadir Khan Sahab. He further honed his skills in Mumbai under the mentorship of Navrang Nagpurkar, a prominent singer from the Gwalior Gharana.
Educational Pursuits and Relocation
Pankaj Udhas completed his schooling in Gujarat and later moved to Mumbai, where he attended St. Xavier’s College.
Introduction to Musical Performance
Pankaj Udhas’ journey into the world of musical performance was greatly influenced by his older brother, Manhar Udhas, who himself was a seasoned stage performer. It was under Manhar’s guidance and support that Pankaj took his initial steps onto the stage.
Early Performance and Recognition
Pankaj Udhas’ debut on stage occurred during a poignant moment in Indian history, the Sino-Indian War. His rendition of the patriotic song “Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo” captured the hearts of the audience, earning him widespread recognition. In a gesture of appreciation, an audience member rewarded Pankaj with a sum of Rs. 51, marking the beginning of his musical journey.
Musical Education and Early Career
After four years, Pankaj Udhas enrolled at the Sangeet Natya Academy in Rajkot, where he delved into the art of playing the tabla. Following this, he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree at Wilson College and St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai. During this time, he embarked on training in Indian classical vocal music under the mentorship of Master Navrang.
Entry into Bollywood and Initial Success
Pankaj Udhas made his debut in the film industry with the song “Kamna” from the movie of the same name. Although the film did not fare well commercially, Udhas’ performance garnered significant praise, setting the stage for his musical career. Subsequently, he ventured into the realm of ghazals, mastering Urdu to pursue a career as a ghazal singer.
Rise to Prominence
Udhas embarked on a musical journey, spending ten months in Canada and the United States, captivating audiences with his soulful ghazal concerts. He returned to India with renewed determination, releasing his first ghazal album titled “Aahat” in 1980. This marked the beginning of his remarkable success, with Udhas going on to release more than fifty albums and numerous compilation albums by 2011.
Bollywood Success and Popular Collaborations
In 1986, Udhas gained widespread recognition for his performance in the film “Naam,” which catapulted him to fame. His collaborations with legendary singers such as Lata Mangeshkar, notably the duet “Mahiya Teri Kasam” from the movie “Ghayal,” and “Na Kajre Ki Dhar” from the film “Mohra” with Sadhana Sargam, further cemented his status as a versatile playback singer.
Innovations and Contributions
Pankaj Udhas made significant contributions to the music industry, pioneering the release of albums on compact disc in India. His album “Shagufta,” launched by Music India in December 1987, was the first of its kind. Additionally, Udhas ventured into television with the talent hunt program “Aadab Aarz Hai” on Sony Entertainment Television.
Legacy and Influence
Udhas’ ghazals, characterized by themes of love, intoxication, and sharab (alcohol), resonate deeply with audiences. His impact on the industry is evident through the admiration of his mentees, such as actor John Abraham, who regards Udhas as his mentor. Throughout his career, Pankaj Udhas has left an indelible mark on Indian music, captivating listeners with his soul-stirring melodies and poignant lyrics.
Passing and Condolences
Pankaj Udhas, the esteemed musician, breathed his last around 11 am on February 26, 2024, after battling a prolonged illness. His daughter shared the heartbreaking news of his demise due to cancer at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai through Instagram. Pankaj Udhas, a renowned figure in the music industry, passed away at the age of 72.
National Mourning
Following the news of his demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and paid tribute to the celebrated musician. The nation mourned the loss of Pankaj Udhas, recognizing his significant contributions to Indian music and his enduring legacy that will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.