The world of music mourns the loss of veteran Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, who passed away at the age of 73 on February 26 after battling a prolonged illness, as confirmed by his family. In a statement, the Udhas family expressed their profound sadness at the demise of the Ghazal maestro.

"With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on 26th February due to a prolonged illness," the statement read.

Udhas breathed his last at 11 AM at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital. Reports indicate that he had been diagnosed with cancer a few months earlier and had been keeping a low profile.

Born on May 17, 1951, in Jetpur, Gujarat, India, Pankaj Udhas was initiated into the world of music at a tender age, nurtured by a family deeply rooted in musical traditions. Inspired by his elder brother Manhar Udhas, a successful playback singer in Bollywood, Pankaj embarked on his own musical journey.

Though he initially ventured into Hindi film songs and Indian pop, Udhas found his true calling in the enchanting realm of ghazals – Urdu poetry set to soul-stirring melodies. His debut ghazal album, "Aahat," released in 1980, marked the inception of a prolific career spanning over four decades, during which he released more than 60 solo albums and collaborated on numerous projects.

Udhas' mellifluous voice, coupled with his deep understanding of ghazal poetry, resonated profoundly with audiences. He played a pivotal role in popularizing ghazals beyond traditional aficionados, making them accessible to a wider audience. Iconic songs like "Chitthi Aai Hai" from the film "Naam" (1986) and "Aa Gale Lag Ja" cemented his status as a household name in Indian music.

His contributions to music were duly recognized with prestigious awards such as the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Ghazal Singing, and the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honor.

Beyond his musical genius, Pankaj Udhas was revered for his humility and approachable demeanor. His soulful voice will forever echo in the hearts of ghazal enthusiasts worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of Indian music history.