Actor Riteish Deshmukh also tweeted, “Huge loss to the music world ..#PankajUdhas ji’s music touched millions of hearts across the planet. His legacy will live on for ever. Deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
See more: Music maestro Pankaj Udhas passes away at 73: Bollywood and music industry pays homage
Earlier, in an exclusive chat with ETimes, Anu Malik spoke about him and said, “If you ask any composer or actor, he will tell you that Pankaj ji was a very jovial, lovable and talented musician. When I first met him, I made him listen to the song Kitaben bahut se padi hogi tune, from Baazigar and he said, “Anu, tumne itne ghazal numa gaane ko itna commercial kaise bana diya?” (how did you turn a ghazal into a Bollywood number?) He gave me a hug and appreciated me. He was also one of those singers who had no qualms about singing in Bollywood, despite being a ghazal singer. The industry has lost a shining star today.”
On the other hand, musician Lalit Pandit said, “Bahut hi ache insaan the (he was a nice man), as far as I know, he was suffering from Cancer. Though I wasn’t in touch with him regularly, met him at awards etc.”
His daughter Nayaab Udhas took to Instagram to share the news, she wrote , ” With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform of sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on 26th February 2024 due to prolonged illness.”
Pankaj Udhas was known for his contributions to Hindi cinema and Indian pop music. He gained fame with his ghazal album “Aahat” in 1980 and continued with hits like “Mukarar,” “Tarrannum,” and “Mehfil.” His song “Chitthi Aayee Hai” from the film “Naam” became immensely popular. Udhas has received accolades including the Padma Shri in 2006. He passed away at the age of 73.
In 1990, Pankaj Udhas collaborated with Lata Mangeshkar for the duet “Mahiya Teri Kasam” in the film Ghayal, which became a huge hit. In 1994, he sang “Na Kajre Ki Dhar” with Sadhana Sargam for the film Mohra, another popular song. Udhas also contributed as a playback singer in films like Saajan, Yeh Dillagi, Naam, and Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee. In an old interview, he revealed that he first wanted to be be a doctor but life had other plans for him.
