A voice cushioned in velvet

Born in the quiet town of Jetpur in Gujarat, Pankaj Udhas grew up to become one of India’s most loved ghazal singers. Eventually, his music reached audiences of all ages and backgrounds across the world.

The youngest of three brothers, Pankaj was influenced by his elder brother Manhar, who had already made a mark in Bollywood playback singing. Pankaj, however, chose ghazals, combining poetry, emotion and melody. His training in Indian classical music laid a strong foundation, but it was his natural gift for conveying deep emotion through his voice that set him apart.

In 1970, he made a debut with the comedy number ‘Munne ki Amma ye to bata’, performed alongside the then numero uno of Hindi playback singing, Kishore Kumar, in the film ‘Tum Haseen Main Jawaan’. This was followed by his solo foray with a song in the 1972 film ‘Kaamna’. Although the film was a flop, his rendition was widely appreciated.

Udhas did not just sing ghazals; he lived them. The image of an elegantly dressed Udhas with a harmonium is still etched in the memory of his fans.

Such was his passion that he learned Urdu to pursue a career as a ghazal singer. It was in 1980 that the breakthrough came with the release of the album ‘Aahat’. But what catapulted him to heights was the 1986 film ‘Naam’, and the song ‘Chitthi aayi hai’, connected him emotionally with millions of people.

Over the years, he released many albums, like ‘Mu-Kar-Rar’, ‘Tarrannum’, ‘Mehfil’, and ‘Shagufta’, each showcasing his exquisite rendition. His soft voice, smooth as silk, won him fans, not only in India but also globally. His concerts were cathartic, invisible skeins forging bonds and tugging gently at the hearts of fans, moving them to silent tears — an unforgettable surreal soiree. For everyone, an intimately personal moment, and yet a shared holistic experience.

Udhas carved a niche for himself, consolidating it through films like ‘Ghayal’, ‘Saajan’, ‘Yeh Dillagi’. Later, he diversified, hosting a popular ghazal talent hunt show ‘Adaab Arz Hai’ on television. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2006, recognising his immense contribution to Indian music.

After he passed away at the age of 72, after a prolonged illness, in Mumbai, he was honoured posthumously with the Padma Bhushan. His wife, Farida, accepted the award from President Droupadi Murmu on April 28 this year.

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