Ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas passes away at 72

The accomplished ghazal vocalist, celebrated for renditions such as ‘Chitti Ayi Hai’ and ‘Chandi Jai Rang’, has passed away following a prolonged illness. According to The Hindu, the esteemed singer departed this life at 11 am at Breach Candy Hospital.

His daughter Nayaab Udhas took to Instagram to announce, her words were: ‘With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padma Shri Pankaj Udhas on February 26 due to prolonged illness.’

Pankaj Udhas, renowned as a playback singer in Bollywood hits like Dayavan, Naam, Saajan, and Mohra, passed away at around 11 am at Breach Candy Hospital.

We’re heartbroken to announce the passing of Padma Shri Pankaj Udhas on February 26, 2024, due to a long-standing illness,” shared his daughter Nayaab on Instagram.

His death is not just a personal tragedy but also a profound loss to the nation, for he was an iconic singer and an extraordinary person,” remarked the Breach Candy Hospital Trust.

Funeral services for the singer, who reached the zenith of his career in the 1990s, are scheduled for Tuesday. His legacy is carried on by his wife Farida and daughters Reva and Nayaab.

On Tuesday, a host of celebrities, friends, and relatives gathered to pay their last respects to the beloved singer.