Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas today breathed his last. He passed away due to a prolonged illness, news reports have quoted his family as saying.
'Aahat', a ghazal album released in 1980, was his debut. The song 'Chitthi Aayee Hai' in the 1986 film 'Naam' (Hindi) made him instantly popular. He was a recipient of the Padma Shri.
Celebs and dignitaries are mourning his demise. "Pained by the demise of Pankaj Udhas Ji, a legendary figure in the world of music. His passing leaves a void that will be hard to fill. My heartfelt condolences to his family, disciples and countless admirers," wrote actor Manoj Joshi. "It is always sad when a childhood favourite passes away. Back in the 80s of Madurai, where many of us didn't know much about ghazals, Pankaj Udhas was our entry point to it. His unfussy singing style won us over even if we didn't understand the amour-filled lines," wrote K Balakumar, a columnist.
