Pankaj Udhas

Renowned ghazal singer and Padma Shri awardee Pankaj Udhas, best known for “Chitthi Ayee Hai” and “Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein”, died on Monday following a prolonged illness. He was 72. I was completely shaken. I could not believe for a minute. It was very shocking for me. It was his daughter Nayaab Udhas, who announced on Instagram the demise of her legendary father. Soon after her post, social media was flooded with condolence messages.

The Indian Prime Minister, Home Minister and Defence Minister were quick to express their condolences. Bollywood singers Sonu Nigam and Anup Jalota expressed their emotions on social media. I still can’t believe that Pankaj Udhas is no more. I grew up listening to him during the ’90s. He was the most popular singer then. I had the opportunity to attend his Dubai concert a few years ago, he looked evergreen. His voice was mesmerising and amazing. The Dubai audience was silent when he started singing “Chitthi Ayee Hai.”  I could see people were in tears once he finished the song. Pankaj was not only a great singer, he was a great human being too. I met him after the concert and he allowed me to take a photo with him, which I will always cherish throughout my life.

Zaina H,

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