Pankaj Udhas, the legendary Indian singer and songwriter, has died aged 73 following a long period of ill health, his family said Monday.
A statement shared by his daughter Nayaab Udhas confirmed the death of the music maestro. She confirmed Pankaj’s death after a prolonged illness at Breach Candy Hospital.
Panjah was suffering from an undisclosed illness and was admitted to a private hospital in Mumbai, where he died on Monday.
Following the announcement, fans started condolences, calling it the ‘End of an era’ of music.
Pankaj Udhas
Pankaj hails from the Zamindar family of Indian Gujarat. He was the youngest child of three brothers to Keshubhai Udhas and Jituben Udhas. His father was a government servant.
His family shows early interest in music, with his father enrolling them at Sangeet Academy in Rajkot. He honed his skills in Mumbai under Navrang Nagpurkar. After his early education at his hometown, Udhas moved to Mumbai where he studied at Saint. Xavier’s College.
He remains a top figure in Indian cinema and music. He rose to fame with his ghazal album “Aahat” in 1980 and continued to deliver hits such as “Mukarar,” “Tarrannum,” and “Mehfil.”
His song “Chitthi Aayee Hai” from the movie “Naam” became extremely popular back in the day.
He also lent his voice as a playback singer for top films like Saajan, Yeh Dillagi, Naam, and Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee.
