Pankaj Udhas was a legendary Ghazal and playback singer who worked in the Bollywood Film Industry. Sadly, he passed away just at the age of 72 years. His life and singing journey tell many great tales which need to reach the people. Also, many details about his life make people curious. So in this article, we look at Pankaj Udhas Net Worth, Death, Wife, Songs, Ghazal, Son, and Biography.
Basic Biography/Wiki | Information |
---|---|
Full name | Pankaj Udhas |
Born / Date of birth | 17 May 1951 |
Date of Death | 26 February 2024 |
Age (at the time of Death) | 72 |
Cause of Death | Prolonged illness (Pancreatic cancer) |
Place of Death | Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
Nationality | Indian |
Profession or Career field | Ghazal Singer and Music director |
Famous for | Being a Playback Singer in Indian Pop & Ghazal genre |
Who was Pankaj Udhas: Early life, Parents, Siblings
Pankaj Udhas was born in Jetpur, Gujarat to his parents Keshubhai Udhas (father) and Jituben Udhas (mother). He was the youngest among the three siblings. His older brother Nirmal Udhas (2nd eldest) was the who who first started singing in the family. Nirmal became a successful and well-known Ghazal Singer. The other two brothers also followed his path. The eldest brother Manhar Udhas also became a playback singer in Bollywood.
- The first graduate from Udhas’s village was his grandfather who later became a Diwan (revenue minister) of the Bhavnagar State.
- Pankaj Udhas’s father was doing a govt job and had even met famous veena player Abdul Karim Khan. Abdul taught Pankaj’s father Keshubhai Udhas how to play the Dilruba (a musical instrument). Keshubhai used to play that instrument in his house which piqued the interest of his sons.
- Later, Keshubhai sent his sons to Sangeet Academy in Rajkot so they could learn music from the professionals.
Birthplace | Jetpur, Saurashtra, India |
Nickname or Popular Name | Pankaj Udhas |
Father | Keshubhai Udhas |
Mother | Jituben Udhas |
Brother | Nirmal Udhas and Manhar Udhas |
Sister | n/a |
Zodiac sign or Sun Sign | Taurus |
Hometown | Charkhadi near Rajkot, Gujarat, India |
Address | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
Mother tongue | Gujarati |
Caste | Charan |
Religion | Hinduism |
Food Habits and Choices | Non-vegetarian |
Hobbies and interests | Watching Cricket, Playing golf |
Physical Appearance: Height, Weight & Measurements
Physical stats & more | Values |
Height (approx) | in centimetres – 168 cm in feet and inches – 5’ 6” in metres – 1.68 m |
Weight (approx) | in kilograms – 72 kg in pounds – 159 lbs |
Body measurements (approx) | Waist: 34 Inches Biceps: 12 Inches Chest: 40 Inches |
Hair colour | Black |
Eye colour | Black |
Education Background: Qualifications
Pankaj Udhas’s music-learning journey started when he enrolled to learn the Tabla. However, Hindustani vocal classical music became his next new interest and he earned it from Ghulam Qadir Khan Sahab. Later, Pankaj was trained under the charge of Navrang Nagpurkar. Navrang was a singer from Gwalior Gharana.
- In his college education, Pankaj Udhas went to Wilson College and St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai and got his Bachelor of Science Degree.
School | Vidya Vihar School, Rajkot |
College/University | St. Xavier’s College, Sir BPTI Bhavanagar, Gujarat |
Educational Qualification/Degree | Bachelor of Science degree |
Personal life: Pankaj Udhas Wife, Family, Marriage
Pankaj Udhas was married to Farida Udhas. Pankaj first met Farida in 1979 at his neighbour’s place. Farida was an air hostess for Air India at that time. Pankaj was in love with Farida’s honest laughter. Their courtship period went on for 3 years.
When it came to marriage, their families were not happy at first but Pankaj wanted to take the family’s blessings before marriage. He said in an interview that Farida came from a Parsi family whereas I came from a family of landlords in Gujarat, so there was hesitation on both sides of the family. Pankaj met Farida’s father (a retired police officer) to ask for Frida’s hand in marriage. Farida’s father said yes after some convincing. Finally, their marriage took place on 11 February 1982.
Pankaj and Farida also have two daughters Nayaab Udhas and Reva Udhas. Pankaj Udhas does not have a Son.
Marital status | Married |
Past Relationship, affairs, boyfriend, or girlfriend | n/a |
Date of marriage | 11 February 1982 |
Spouse (Wife or Husband) | Wife: Farida Udhas |
Children | Daughter: Nayaab Udhas and Reva Udhas Son: n/a |
Pankaj Udhas Death
Nayaab Udhas, the daughter of Pankaj Udhas shared this tragic news on Instagram that her father Pankaj passed away due to a prolonged illness around 11 am on 26 February 2024. After being a long-time Pancreatic cancer patient, Pankaj Udhas passed away in Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai. Condolence posts started appearing on the internet from all over India just after this sad news became public.
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned the loss of Pankaj Udhas and posted his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter). PM Modi first expressed how Pankaj’s Ghazals could touch people’s hearts. Then Narendra Modi recalled his interactions with Pankaj. The PM also expressed his heartfelt sympathy towards Pankaj’s family during this time of difficulty.
- Other artists and Bollywood actors paid their tributes to Pankaj Udhas. Some of these names are Randeep Hooda, Mrunal Thakur, Ajay Devgn, John Abraham, Sunny Deol, Kajol, Suniel Shetty and Anupam Kher.
Professional Career
Years Active | 1980 – 2024 |
Singing Debut: Kamna (1972)
Album Debut: Aahat (1980)
- Pankaj Udhas’s first income was just Rs 51. He got the money from a stage performance.
- His first song was sung in the movie “Kamna”, this solo was written by Naqsh Lyallpuri and composed by Usha Khanna. Unfortunately, Kamna was a flop film at that time. Not many people got to hear Pankaj’s song.
- This was the time when Pankaj had already started learning Ghazals and Urdu. He went to Canada and the US to do Ghazal concerts. This step gave him new confidence and made Pankaj realise his dream of becoming a Ghazal singer.
- After this, his Ghazal singing career started with his album “Aahat” in 1980.
- He gave many hits after that. Some of them are Tarrannum (1982), Mukarar (1981), Mehfil (1983).
- Pankaj didn’t stop after his success as a Ghazal Singer. Mahesh Bhatt invited him to sing for his film “Naam”. He sang the famous song “Chitthi Aayee Hai” in Naam. After this success, more filmmakers wanted to work with him. Pankaj Udhas did playback singing for many popular movies and earned all the success and fame he wanted.
- He also worked with other famous singers. In 1990, Pankaj sang the duet song “Mahiya Teri Kasam” for the movie Ghayal with another world-class singer Lata Mangeshkar. His other famous song was “Na Kajre Ki Dhar” from the movie Mohra, which he sang with Sadhana Sargam.
- Pankaj even started a talent hunt TV Programme named Aadab Aarz Hai, which was telecasted on Sony Entertainment Television.
Pankaj Udhas Song
Year | Song Name | Movie/Album |
---|---|---|
2016 | Raat Bhar Tanha Raha | Dil Toh Deewana Hai |
2011 | Aarti | Mata Ki Bhetein |
2011 | Palchhin | Mata Ki Bhetein |
2011 | Maiyya Pukaare Re | Mata Ki Bhetein |
2010 | Tu Sabni Thai | Shabad |
2010 | Das Tere Ki Binti | Shabad |
2010 | Dhan Dhan Hamare | Shabad |
2010 | Pucho Sant Mero | Shabad |
2010 | Sau Din Safal Ganeya | Shabad |
2010 | Japp Mann Mere | Shabad |
2010 | Maango Ram Te | Shabad |
2010 | Sai Baba Geet Sudha | Malik Ek |
2009 | Main Dil Ki Dil Mein | Sanam Teri Kasam |
2008 | Ek Toh Sharab Kam | Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam |
2004 | Chandi Jaisa Rang | Ghazal E Mohabbat, Vol. 1 |
2002 | London Mein India | Yeh Hai Jalwa |
2000 | Teri Aashiqui | Ghaath |
2000 | Ram Kare | Jung |
1999 | Chandakinta Chanda | Itagi Veeranna |
1997 | Zindagi Ko Guzarne Ke Liye | Jeevan Yudh |
1997 | Meethi Meethi Baatein | Kaalia |
1996 | Humne Khamoshi Se Tumhe Dil Mein Basaya Hai | Majhdhaar |
1995 | Aansu Judai Ke | Milan |
1994 | Mohabbaton Kaa Safar Hai (solo) | Mohabbaton Kaa Safar |
1994 | Hothon Pe Tera Naam | Main Khiladi Tu Anari |
1994 | Rishta tera mera | Jai Vikraanta |
1994 | Main Tumse Pyar Karta | Ghar Ki Izzat |
1994 | Hothon Pe Tera Naam | Main Khiladi Tu Anari |
1994 | Na Kajare Ki Dhaar | Mohra |
1994 | Dil Jab Se Toot Gaya | Salaami |
1993 | Aankh Mere Yaar Ki Dukhe | n/a |
1993 | Mohabbaton Kaa Safar Hai | Mohabbaton Kaa Safar |
1993 | Tujhko Saanson Mein | Kasam Teri Kasam |
1993 | Mat Kar Itna Guroor | Aadmi Khilona Hai |
1993 | Rabse Bhi Pehle Honthon Pe Meresaajan Tera | Izzat Ki Roti |
1993 | Dil Deta Hai Ro Ro Dohai | Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee |
1993 | Ye Kya Kya Dikhati Hai | Meherbaan |
1992 | Apni Mohabbat Kabhi Kam Na Ho | Aaja Sanam |
1992 | Ek Pal Ek Din | Jigar |
1992 | Jo Geet Nahi Janma | Sangeet |
1992 | Geet Banke Labon Pe | Adharm |
1992 | Dhadkane Saansein Jawani | Beta |
1992 | Kisi Ne Bhi To Na Dekha | Dil Aashna Hai |
1991 | Jaane Jaan Mujhe Aisa Kya Hua | Vishkanya |
1991 | Jeeye To Jeeye Kaise | Saajan |
1990 | Aur Bhala Main Kya Mangun Rab Se | Thanedaar |
1990 | Ishq Mein Jaan Gawa Denge | Paap Ki Kamaee |
1990 | Maahiya Teri Kasam | Ghayal |
1989 | Tumne Rakh To Lee Tasveer Hamari | Lal Dupatta Malmal Ka |
1989 | Yaad Aayi, Yaad Aayi, Bhuli Woh Kahani Phir Yaad Aayi | Gola Barood |
1989 | Sahara Tere Intezaar Ka Hai | Hum Intezaar Karenge |
1989 | Kuch Baat Hai Tum Mein Jo | Lal Dupatta Malmal Ka |
1988 | Aaj Phir Tumpe | Dayavan |
1989 | Bhool Bhulaiyya Sa Yeh Jeevan | Gawaahi |
1988 | Tere Dar Ko Chhod Chale | Gangaa Jamunaa Saraswati |
1988 | Gaa Mere Sang Pyar Ka Geet Naya | Gunahon Ka Faisla |
1988 | Ek Ek Ho Jaye Phir Ghar Chale Jaana | Gangaa Jamunaa Saraswati |
1988 | Dil Se Dil Mila, Phir Kaisa Gila, Ho Gaya Py | Tamacha |
1988 | Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai | Ek Hi Maqsad |
1970 | Munne Ki Amma Yeh To Bata | Tum Haseen Main Jawaan |
Pankaj Udhas Albums
- Nabeel
- Pankaj Udas ‘Life Story’ Vol-1,2
- Geetnuma
- Best of Pankaj Udhas Vol-1,2
- Baisakhi (Punjabi)
- Janeman
- Shaayar
- Mehfil (1983)
- Humnasheen
- Nayaab (1985)
- Endless Love
- Ghoonghat
- Lamha
- Aman
- Rajuat (Gujarati)
- Shamakhana
- Aafreen (1986)
- Khamoshi Ki Aawaz (2014)
- In Search of Meer (2003)
- Shaayar (2010)
- Dhadkan
- Teen Mausam
- Muskan
- Mahek (1999)
- Yaara – Music by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan
- Khwabon Ki Khahani (2015)
- Rubayee
- Nasheela
- Khazana
- Yaad
- Mukarrar (1981)
- Shabad – (Music by Vaibhav Saxen, Gunjan Jha)
- Kaif
- Pankaj Udhas Live at Albert Hall (1984)
- Hasrat (2005)
- Ek Dhun Pyar Ki (1992)
- Legend
- Charkhadi near Rajkot, Gujarat, India
- Aahat (1980)
- Madhose
- Woh Ladki Yaad Aati Hai
- Jashn (2006)
- Aashiyana (1992)
- Khayaal
- Stolen Moments
- Barbad Mohabbat
- Shagufta
- Aafreen (1986)
- Sentimental (2013)
- Pankaj Udhas Vol-1,2,3,4
- Tarrannum (1982)
- Aankhon Ke Kaajal Se
- Aarti
- Nayaab lamhe with Gulzar (2018)
- Ghazal E Mohabbat, Vol. 1 by Various Artists on Apple Music
Political or Social work
Pankaj Udhas also did his fair share of Social work. He raised funds for many causes including cancer awareness.
Company or Institution for Social Causes | n/a |
Political Party affiliation or leaning | None |
Lifestyle: Pankaj Udhas Net Worth, Status, Money
According to media reports, Pankaj Udhas had a net worth greater than Rs 25 Crore.
Net Worth (approx) | Rs 25 Crore |
Salary (approx) | – |
House, Bike, and Car Collection
House or other properties | – |
Awards, Nominations, and Honour
Year | Award / Honour | Org. |
---|---|---|
2006 | Padma Shri | Government of India |
1985 | Best Ghazal Singer of the Year | K L Saigal Award |
1990 | Outstanding Young Persons’ Award (1989–90) | Indian Junior Chambers |
1993 | Giants International Award in the field of music | – |
1994 | Radio Lotus Award for Outstanding Achievement | Radio Lotus, South Africa |
1994 | Honorary Citizenship of Lubbock Texas, USA | – |
1996 | Indira Gandhi Priyadarshani Award | – |
1998 | Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award | American Academy of Artists at Atlantic City |
1998 | Indian Arts Awards Gala | Mayor (Jersey City) |
1999 | Award for extraordinary services to Indian music | Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, USA |
2001 | Vocational Recognition Award | Rotary Club of Mumbai Downtown |
2002 | Honored by Indian Americans | Indo-American Chamber of Commerce |
2002 | Award for Excellence in the Music Field | Sahyog Foundation at Mumbai |
2003 | Dadabhai Naoroji Millennium Award | Dadabhai Naoroji International Society |
2003 | Special Achievement Award | Bollywood Music Award, New York |
2003 | MTV Immies Award (for album ‘In Search of Meer’) | MTV |
2004 | Special Felicitation | at the Wembley Conference Center, London |
2006 | Best Ghazal album of 2005 (for “Hasrat”) | Kalakar awards (at Kolkata) |
Likes, Preferences, and Favourites
Food | Hyderabadi murgh biryani, Tandoori chicken |
Actor | Rishi Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan, Amitabh Bachchan |
Actress | Priyanka Chopra, Madhuri Dixit |
Subjects | Music |
Book | n/a |
Musician | Mehdi Hassan, Begam Akhtar, The Beatles |
Sports | Golf, Cricket |
Less-known facts about Pankaj Udhas
- Pankaj’s brother Manhar Udhas introduced Pankaj to music performance on stage. Manhar himself was a stage performer. During the Indo-China War of 1962, Pankaj was doing stage performances. Someone from the crowd gave him Rs 51 after hearing his singing performance of the song “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon”.
- “Shagufta” was one of his albums launched by Music India in 1987. It became the first album to be released on compact disk in India.
- Pankaj Udhas respected Lata Mangeshkar like no other. He used to call her “Maa”.
- Famous Bollywood actor John Abraham considered Pankaj Udhas as his mentor.
Social media accounts
YouTube Channel | Pankaj Udhas (@Pankajkudhas) |
Facebook page | Pankaj Udhas |
X (formerly Twitter) profile | Pankaj Udhas (@Pankajkudhas) |
Instagram page | Pankaj Udhas (@pankajkudhas) |
n/a |
FAQs
Who was Pankaj Udhas wife?
Farida Udhas is the wife of Pankaj Udhas.
When did Pankaj Udhas died?
Pankaj Udhas died at around 11 am on 26 February 2024.
Where is Pankaj Udhas from?
Pankaj Udhas came from Charkhadi village, situated near Rajkot city of Gujarat.
What illness did Pankaj Udhas have?
He was suffering from Pancreatic cancer.
Has Pankaj Udhas passed away?
Yes, Pankaj Udhas passed away on 26 February 2024.
What is Pankaj Udhas famous for?
Pankaj Udhas is famous for his Ghazal Songs and music albums.
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