Pankaj Udhas, chitthi aayi hai singer, dies at 72
The renowned singer Pankaj Udhas, celebrated for iconic melodies such as ‘Chitthi Aayi Hai,’ has passed away at the age of 72 after battling a prolonged illness in Mumbai, as confirmed by his family. The Udhas family released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the demise of Padma Shri Pankaj Udhas on February 26. Recognized for his contributions as a playback singer in Hindi films like “Naam,” “Saajan,” and “Mohra,” Udhas left an indelible mark in the music industry. His extensive repertoire includes timeless ghazals such as ‘Chandani Raat Mein,’ ‘Na Kajre Ki Dhaar,’ ‘Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein,’ ‘Ek Taraf Uska Ghar,’ and ‘Thodi Thodi Piya Karo.’
In addition to his film career, Pankaj Udhas initiated a talent hunt TV show, ‘Aadab Aarz Hai,’ and performed at concerts worldwide. Following the news of his demise, tributes poured in, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledging Udhas as a beacon of Indian music. Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed condolences, emphasizing how Udhas’ songs resonated across generations. The singer gained prominence with the 1986 film ‘Naam’ and became immortalized with the evergreen hit ‘Chitthi Aayee Hai,’ selected as one of the 100 songs of the millennium by BBC Radio.
Fellow artists, including Sonu Nigam and Anup Jalota, paid heartfelt tributes, reflecting on the profound impact Udhas had on the music industry. Born on May 17, 1951, in Jetpur, Gujarat, Pankaj Udhas began his musical journey by learning the tabla and later delved into Hindustani vocal classical music under the guidance of Ghulam Qadir Khan Sahab. Moving to Mumbai to study under vocalist Navrang Nagpurkar of the Gwalior Gharana, Udhas left an indomitable legacy in Indian music that will be remembered for generations to come.
