# Pankaj Udhas

Pankaj Udhas (17 May 1951 – 26 February 2024) was an Indian ghazal and playback singer known for his works in Hindi cinema, and Indian pop. He started his career with the release of a ghazal album titled Aahat in 1980 and subsequently recorded many hits like Mukarar in 1981, Tarrannum in 1982, Mehfil in 1983, Pankaj Udhas Live at Royal Albert Hall in 1984, Nayaab in 1985 and Aafreen in 1986. After his success as a ghazal singer, he was invited to appear and sing for a film by Mahesh Bhatt, Naam, in which his song "Chitthi Aayee Hai" (A Letter Has Arrived) became an instant hit. He did playback singing for many Hindi films after that. Albums and live concerts around the globe brought him fame as a singer. In 2006, Pankaj Udhas was awarded Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award. His brothers Nirmal Udhas and Manhar Udhas are also singers. Udhas was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, by the Government of India in 2025.

## Early life

Pankaj Udhas was born in Navagadh village of Jetpur in a Charan family of Gujarat. He was the youngest of the three brothers. His parents were Keshubhai Udhas and Jituben Udhas. His eldest brother Manhar Udhas achieved some success as a Hindi playback singer in Bollywood films. His second brother Nirmal Udhas is also a well-known Ghazal Singer and was the first of the three brothers to start singing in the family.
Udhas had studied in Sir BPTI Bhavanagar. His family moved to Mumbai and Pankaj attended St. Xavier's College there.
His family hails from a town named Navagadh near Rajkot and were zamindars (transl. traditional landlords). His grandfather was the first graduate from the village and went on to become the Diwan (revenue minister) of the Bhavnagar State. His father, Keshubhai Udhas, was a government servant and had met the renowned Veena player, Abdul Karim Khan, who taught him to play the dilruba. When Udhas was a child, his father would play the dilruba, a stringed instrument. Seeing his and his brothers' interest in music, his father enrolled them at the Sangeet Academy in Rajkot. Udhas initially enrolled himself to learn the tabla but later began learning Hindustani vocal classical music from Ghulam Qadir Khan Sahab. Udhas then moved to Mumbai to train under the tutelage of Navrang Nagpurkar, a singer from the Gwalior Gharana.

## Career

A song titled Chandi Jaisa Rang hai tera, sone jaise bal (i.e. Your colour is like silver, your hair is like gold) was sung by Pankaj Udhas. Pankaj Udhas' older brother, Manhar Udhas was a stage performer who aided Pankaj in his introduction to musical performance. His first stage performance was during the Sino-Indian War, when he sang "Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo" and was given Rs. 51 by an audience member as a reward.
Four years later he joined the Sangeet Natya Academy in Rajkot and learned the nuances of playing the tabla. After that, he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree at Wilson College and St Xavier's college, Mumbai and started training in Indian classical vocal music under the tutelage of Master Navrang. Udhas's first song was in the film "Kamna" a solo composed by Usha Khanna and written by Naqsh Lyallpuri, the film was a flop, but his rendition was very much appreciated. Subsequently, Udhas developed an interest in ghazals and learned Urdu to try to pursue a career as a ghazal singer. He spent ten months in Canada and the US doing ghazal concerts and returned to India with renewed vigour and confidence. His first ghazal album, Aahat, was released in 1980. From this, he began to have success and, as of 2011 he had released more than fifty albums and hundreds of compilation albums. In 1986, Udhas received another opportunity to perform in film, in the film Naam, which brought him fame. In 1990, he sang the melodious duet "Mahiya Teri Kasam" with Lata Mangeshkar, for the movie Ghayal. This song achieved immense popularity. In 1994, Udhas sang the notable song, "Na Kajre Ki Dhar", from the film Mohra along with Sadhana Sargam which also became very popular. He continued working as a playback singer, making some on-screen appearances in films such as Saajan, Yeh Dillagi, Naam and Phir Teri Kahaani Yaad Aayee. His album Shagufta launched by Music India in December 1987 was the first to be released on compact disc in India. Later, Udhas started a talent hunt television program called Aadab Aarz Hai on Sony Entertainment Television. Actor John Abraham calls Udhas his mentor. Udhas's ghazals talk about love, intoxication and sharab.

## Death

Pankaj Udhas died, aged 72, of a prolonged illness at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, on 26 February 2024. His funeral was held on 27 February 2024 at the Hindu Crematorium in Worli, Mumbai. In memories of Pankaj Udas, His last ghazal was "Baithi Ho Kyun Gumsum" re-release T-series you tube channel.

## Awards

* 2025: Padma Bhushan
* 2024 - Honour Lokmat Sur Jyotsna National Music legends Award 2024
* 2006 – Padma shri for his contribution to the art of ghazal singing, his huge contribution to cancer patients and thallasemic children on the occasion of him completing 25 years of ghazal singing.
* 2006 – Prestigious "Kalakar" award at Kolkata for "Hasrat" as "Best Ghazal album of 2005".
* 2004 – Special Felicitation at the Wembley Conference Center, London for Completing 20 Years of Performance at the Prestigious Venue.
* 2003 – MTV Immies Award for the successful album 'In Search of Meer'.
* 2003 – Special Achievement Award at the Bollywood Music Award, New York for Popularizing Ghazals Across the Globe.
* 2003 – Dadabhai Naoroji Millennium Award conferred by the Dadabhai Naoroji International Society for Contribution to Ghazal and the Music Industry.
* 2002 – Award for Excellence in Music Field presented by Sahyog Foundation at Mumbai.
* 2002 – Honoured by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce.
* 2001 – Vocational Recognition Award for Outstanding Performance as a Ghazal singer presented by Rotary Club of Mumbai Downtown.
* 1999 – Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, USA Award for extraordinary services to Indian music, especially promotion of ghazals in India and abroad. Presented at the Festival of Ghazals held in New York.
* 1998 – Indian Arts Awards Gala presented by the Mayor of the City of Jersey City.
* 1998 – Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award presented by the American Academy of Artists at Atlantic City.
* 1996 – Indira Gandhi Priyadarshani Award for Outstanding Services, Achievement and Contribution to Music.
* 1994 – Honorary Citizenship of Lubbock Texas, USA.
* 1994 – Radio Lotus Award for Outstanding Achievement and for the many songs featuring on the official hit parade of the radio. Presented by Radio Lotus, South Africa at the University of Durban.
* 1993 – Giants International Award for extraordinary efforts to achieve the highest standards in the field of music thereby motivating the entire community to pursue excellence.
* 1990 – Outstanding Young Persons' Award (1989–90) for positive leadership and distinguished services rendered to the nation. Presented by the Indian Junior Chambers.
* 1985 – K L Saigal Award for being the Best Ghazal Singer of the Year.

## Albums

* Aahat (1980)
* Nasha (1997)
* Mukarrar (1981)
* Tarrannum (1982)
* Mehfil (1983)
* Shamakhana
* Pankaj Udhas Live at Albert Hall (1984)
* Nayaab (1985)
* Legend
* Khazana
* Aafreen (1986)
* Shagufta
* Nabeel
* Aashiyana (1992)
* Anjana (1992)
* Ek Dhun Pyar Ki (1992)
* Rubayee
* Teen Mausam
* Geetnuma
* Kaif
* Khayaal
* Aman
* Woh Ladki Yaad Aati Hai
* Stolen Moments
* Mahek (1999)
* Ghoonghat
* Muskan
* Dhadkan
* Best of Pankaj Udhas Vol-1, 2
* Pankaj Udas 'Life Story' Vol-1, 2
* Pankaj Udhas Vol-1, 2, 3, 4
* Lamha
* Janeman
* Jashn (2006)
* Endless Love
* Shaayar
* Rajuat (Gujarati)
* Baisakhi (Punjabi)
* Yaad
* Kabhi Ansoo Kabhi Khushboo Kabhi Naghuma
* Humnasheen
* In Search of Meer (2003)
* Hasrat (2005)
* Bhalobasha (Bengali)
* Yaara – Music by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan
* Shabad – Music by Vaibhav Saxena and Gunjan Jha
* Shaayar (2010)
* Barbad Mohabbat
* Nasheela
* Sentimental (2013)
* Khamoshi Ki Aawaz (2014)
* Khwabon Ki Khahani (2015)
* Madhose
* Nayaab lamhe with Gulzar (2018)

## Tracks

| Year of Release | Song | Movies/Albums | Singer | Composer | Lyricist |
| 1970 | Munne Ki Amma Yeh To Bata | Tum Haseen Main Jawaan | Pankaj Udhas & Kishore Kumar | Shankar-Jaikishan | Rajinder Krishan |
| 1986 | Chitthi aayi hai | Naam | Pankaj Udhas | Laxmikant-Pyarelal | |
| 1988 | Dil Se Dil Mila, Phir Kaisa Gila, Ho Gaya Pyar | Tamacha | Pankaj Udhas & Sharon Prabhakar | Bappi Lahiri | |
| 1988 | Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai | Ek Hi Maqsad | Pankaj Udhas | Pankaj Udhas | Mumtaz Rashid |
| 1988 | Gaa Mere Sang Pyar Ka Geet Naya | Gunahon Ka Faisla | Pankaj Udhas & Lata Mangeshkar | Bappi Lahiri | |
| 1988 | Aaj Phir Tumpe | Dayavan | Pankaj Udhas & Anuradha Paudwal | Laxmikant-Pyarelal | |
| 1988 | Ek Ek Ho Jaye Phir Ghar Chale Jaana | Gangaa Jamunaa Saraswati | Pankaj Udhas & Kishore Kumar | Anu Malik | Indeevar |
| 1988 | Tere Dar Ko Chhod Chale | Gangaa Jamunaa Saraswati | Pankaj Udhas | Anu Malik | Indeevar |
| 1989 | Sahara Tere Intezaar Ka Hai | Hum Intezaar Karenge | Pankaj Udhas | Bappi Lahiri | |
| 1989 | Yaad Aayi, Yaad Aayi, Bhuli Woh Kahani Phir Yaad Aayi | Gola Barood | Pankaj Udhas & Mohammed Aziz | Bappi Lahiri | |
| 1989 | Tumne Rakh To Lee Tasveer Hamari | Lal Dupatta Malmal Ka | Pankaj Udhas & Anuradha Paudwal | Anand-Milind | Majrooh Sultanpuri |
| 1989 | Kuch Baat Hai Tum Mein Jo | Lal Dupatta Malmal Ka | Pankaj Udhas & Anuradha Paudwal | Anand-Milind | Majrooh Sultanpuri |
| 1989 | "Bhool Bhulaiyya Sa Yeh Jeevan" "Dekh Ke Tumko" "Dil Ki Baatein Hain" | Gawaahi | Pankaj Udhas & Anuradha Paudwal | Uttam-Jagdish | Sardar Anjum |
| 1990 | Maahiya Teri Kasam | Ghayal | Pankaj Udhas & Lata Mangeshkar | Bappi Lahiri | |
| 1990 | Ishq Mein Jaan Gawa Denge | Paap Ki Kamaee | Pankaj Udhas & Anuradha Paudwal | | |
| 1990 | Aur Bhala Main Kya Mangun Rab Se | Thanedaar | Pankaj Udhas & Lata Mangeshkar | Bappi Lahiri | |
| 1990 | Mohabbat Inayat Karam Dekhte Hain | Bahaar Aane Tak | Pankaj Udhas & Anuradha Paudwal | | |
| 1991 | Jeeye To Jeeye Kaise | Saajan | Pankaj Udhas | Nadeem Shravan | Sameer |
| 1991 | Jaane Jaan Mujhe Aisa Kya Hua | Vishkanya | Pankaj Udhas & Penaz Masani | Bappi Lahiri | |
| 1992 | Geet Banke Labon Pe | Adharm | Pankaj Udhas & Anuradha Paudwal | Anand-Milind | Sameer |
| 1992 | Dhadkane Saansein Jawani | Beta | Pankaj Udhas | Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen | Dilip Tahir |
| 1992 | Jo Geet Nahi Janma | Sangeet | Pankaj Udhas & Anuradha Paudwal | Anand-Milind | Santosh Anand |
| 1992 | Ek Pal Ek Din | Jigar | Pankaj Udhas & Sadhana Sargam | Anand-Milind | Sameer |
| 1992 | Apni Mohabbat Kabhi Kam Na Ho | Aaja Sanam | Pankaj Udhas | Arun Paudwal | Faaiz Anwar |
| 1992 | Kisi Ne Bhi To Na Dekha | Dil Aashna Hai | Pankaj Udhas | Anand-Milind | |
| 1993 | Ye Kya Kya Dikhati Hai | Meherbaan | Pankaj Udhas | Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen | Rani Malik |
| 1993 | Dil Deta Hai Ro Ro Dohai | Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee | Pankaj Udhas | | |
| 1993 | Rabse Bhi Pehle Honthon Pe Meresaajan Tera | Izzat Ki Roti | Pankaj Udhas & Anuradha Paudwal | Bappi Lahiri | |
| 1993 | Mat Kar Itna Guroor | Aadmi Khilona Hai | Pankaj Udhas & Alka Yagnik | Nadeem-Shravan | |
| 1993 | Aadmi Khilona Hai (male) | Aadmi Khilona Hai | Pankaj Udhas | Nadeem-Shravan | |
| 1993 | Tujhko Saanson Mein | Kasam Teri Kasam | Pankaj Udhas & Anuradha Paudwal | Naresh Sharma | Qatil Shiphai |
| 1993 | Teri Aankhen Meri Manzil | Kasam Teri Kasam | Pankaj Udhas & Anuradha Paudwal | Naresh Sharma | Faaiz Anwar |
| 1993 | Khuda Kare Mohabbat Mein | Sanam (film released in 1997) | Pankaj Udhas | Anand-Milind | Sameer |
| 1993 | Aankh Mere Yaar Ki Dukhe (Solo) | Ek Hi Raasta | Pankaj Udhas | Mahesh Kishor | Naqsh Lyallpuri |
| 1993 | Aankh Mere Yaar Ki Dukhe (Duet) | Ek Hi Raasta | Pankaj Udhas & Kavita Krishnamurthy | Mahesh Kishor | Naqsh Lyallpuri |
| 1993 | Chhupana Bhi Nahi Aata | Baazigar | Pankaj Udhas | Anu Malik | Rani Malik |
| 1993 | Mohabbaton Kaa Safar Hai (duet) | Mohabbaton Kaa Safar | Pankaj Udhas & Kavita Krishnamurthy | Khayyam | Salahuddin Pervez |
| 1993 | Mohabbaton Kaa Safar Hai (solo) | Mohabbaton Kaa Safar | Pankaj Udhas | Khayyam | Salahuddin Pervez |
| 1993 | Abhi Abhi Yeh Samjha Hai | Dil Apna Aur Preet Paraee | Pankaj Udhas | Usha Khanna | Yogesh |
| 1994 | Dil Jab Se Toot Gaya (Duet) | Salaami | Pankaj Udhas & Alka Yagnik | Nadeem-Shravan | Sameer |
| 1994 | Dil Jab Se Toot Gaya (Solo) | Salaami | Pankaj Udhas | Nadeem-Shravan | Sameer |
| 1994 | Aankhon Ke Kaajal Se | Main Tera Aashiq (unreleased film) | Pankaj Udhas & Anuradha Paudwal | Naresh Sharma | Deepak Sneh |
| 1994 | Main Deewana Hoon Jisse | Yeh Dillagi | Pankaj Udhas & Saif Ali Khan | | |
| 1994 | Na Kajare Ki Dhaar | Mohra | Pankaj Udhas | | |
| 1994 | Hothon Pe Tera Naam | Main Khiladi Tu Anari | Pankaj Udhas | | |
| 1994 | Main Tumse Pyar Karta | Ghar Ki Izzat | Pankaj Udhas & Jaishree Shivram | Amar-Utpal | |
| 1994 | Rishta tera mera (male version) | Jai Vikraanta | Pankaj Udhas | | |
| 1995 | Aansu Judai Ke | Milan | Pankaj Udhas | Anand-Milind | Sameer |
| 1996 | Humne Khamoshi Se Tumhe Dil Mein Basaya Hai | Majhdhaar | Pankaj Udhas | Nadeem-Shravan | |
| 1997 | Meethi Meethi Baatein | Kaalia | Pankaj Udhas & Jaishree Shivram | Anand Raj Anand | |
| 1997 | Zindagi Ko Guzarne Ke Liye | Jeevan Yudh | Pankaj Udhas & Alka Yagnik | Nadeem-Shravan | Sameer |
| 1999 | "Chandakinta Chanda" | Sparsha | Pankaj Udhas | Hamsalekha | Itagi Veeranna |
| 1999 | "Bareyada Mounada Kavite" | Sparsha | Pankaj Udhas, Kavita Krishnamurti, Archana Udupa | Hamsalekha | R. N. Jayagopal |
| 2000 | Ram Kare | Jung | Pankaj Udhas & Karsan Sagathia | Anu Malik | |
| 2000 | Teri Aashiqui | Ghaath | Pankaj Udhas & Alka Yagnik | Anu Malik | |
| 2002 | London Mein India | Yeh Hai Jalwa | Pankaj Udhas & Sukhwinder Singh | Anand Raj Anand | Dev Kohli |
| 2004 | Chandi Jaisa Rang (Live) | Ghazal E Mohabbat, Vol. 1 | Pankaj Udhas | | |
| 2008 | Ek Toh Sharab Kam | Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam | Pankaj Udhas | Anu Malik | |
| 2009 | Main Dil Ki Dil Mein | Sanam Teri Kasam | Pankaj Udhas & Kumar Sanu | Nadeem-Shravan | |
| 2010 | Sai Baba Geet Sudha | Malik Ek | Pankaj Udhas | Anup Jalota | |
| 2010 | Maango Ram Te Japp Mann Mere Sau Din Safal Ganeya Pucho Sant Mero Dhan Dhan Hamare Das Tere Ki Binti Tu Sabni Thai Tujh Bin Awar | Shabad | Pankaj Udhas | Vaibhav Saxena & Gunjan Jha | Guru Granth Sahib |
| 2011 | Palchhin | Mata Ki Bhetein | Pankaj Udhas & Sanghamitra Bharali | | Mohan Sharma |
| 2011 | Maiyya Pukaare Re (Duet) | Mata Ki Bhetein | Pankaj Udhas & Sanghamitra Bharali | | Mohan Sharma |
| 2011 | Aarti | Mata Ki Bhetein | Pankaj Udhas & Sanghamitra Bharali | | Mohan Sharma |
| 2016 | Raat Bhar Tanha Raha | Dil Toh Deewana Hai | Pankaj Udhas | Anand Raj Anand | |