Musical maestro Pankaj Udhas passes away at 72

Renowned ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, famous for work like Chitthi Aayee Hai, died at the age of 72 after a long illness.

His daughter Nayaab Udhas confirmed the news on Instagram, stating, "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."

As soon as the news of Udhas' passing broke, many fans expressed their grief over the loss.

"So sorry to hear this, my condolences to you & family. Tc Nayaab !! May his soul rest in peace. Pankaj Ji will be always with us through his immortal music," one heart-broken fan said.

"Oh my god! I am really sorry to hear this Nayaab. My deepest condolences," another wrote.

Udaas was famous for his work in Hindi movies and Indian pop music, and for introducing a unique style of singing Urdu poetry with melody.

Along with other legendry musicians like Jagjit Singh and Talat Aziz, he played a vital role in making this art form popular across the country.

Udaas rose to prominence with his ghazal album Aahat in 1980 and went on to release successful albums like Mukarar, Tarrannum, and Mehfil and his song Chitthi Aayee Hai from the movie Naam was widely loved. 

The famous Indian Ghazal singer, born on April 17, 1951, was also honored with the Padma Shri award in 2006.