Feb 26, 2024 11:31 PM
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In the golden era of ghazals, in the eighties and nineties, he ruled our hearts with his silken voice and unique style of rendition. His perfectly groomed hair and exquisite shawls that were a part of his ensemble, are imprinted in our minds even today.
Youngest of three siblings, Manhar Udhas and Nirmal Udhas being the elder two brothers, Pankaj was multi-talented. He not only sang in concerts but also in several films and even acted in a few. Coincidentally, I was listening to the great singer's ghazals just a day before his death. I didn’t know he was a cancer patient and so his death was a shock to all of us in the family.
In the eighties and nineties, there was a plethora of excellent ghazal singers in India like Pankaj Udhas, Anup Jalota, Jagjit Singh, Talat Aziz, Hariharan, and many more who regaled us with their melodious renditions. But my favourites were Pankaj Udhas and Jagjit Singh. Both passed away leaving behind a legacy and a hard act to follow.
The maestro Ghazal singer’s journey started with a stage show where he performed'Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon' during the India-China war period, earning him a token of appreciation of Rs 51 from an audience member.
Pankaj was influenced in his musical journey by his elder brothers Nirmal and Manhar, both accomplished musicians. Manhar Udhas is a famous playback singer, while Nirmal is also a ghazal singer of some repute.
His rendition of'Chitthi Aayi Hai' from the 1986 film'Naam' emerged as a chart-topping hit, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the music industry. ‘Na Kajre Ki dhaar’ from Mohra and ‘Jiye Toh Jiye Kaise from Saajan further cemented his position as a premier ghazal singer not only in India but the world.
“Throughout his career, the ghazal maestro received numerous accolades and honours, including the prestigious Padma Shri in 2006 for his exceptional contributions to music and art.”
Pankaj was committed to preserving the emotional and spiritual depth of classic compositions and so had a disdain for remixes of old hit numbers, he was very vocal about it.
Early in his career, Pankaj fell head over heels in love with an Air India hostess, Farida, who was from his neighbourhood. It was the most difficult path to tread as the lady he fell in love with belonged to a traditional Parsi family. Though both were ready to take the plunge, but their parents weren’t amused. At the same time, Pankaj was adamant that they should marry only after receiving blessings from their parents. It was a struggle for three years before their parents' reluctance to their marriage melted and they were allowed to marry. He leaves behind his wife and their two daughters Nayab Udhas and Reva Udhas.
The following excerpts from an interview, sum up their undying love for each other…"While I was launching my first album, I ran short of a few thousand rupees. Farida didn’t have money either. We weren’t married then. But the next day she handed over the sum to me. She had borrowed it. Nothing can match this ever. We’ve promised each other that no matter how much we argue, we’ll never fight over religion, ” he said.
"I want Pankaj to be my husband for seven lifetimes. Very few men appreciate the contribution of a woman in their lives. He is one of them. That has seen us through, ” she said.
Pankaj’s journey, from humble early stages to worldly acclaim, is a testament to his genius and unwavering dedication to the art form which cast a magical spell on the listeners worldwide.
Born on 17th May 1951, Pankaj Udhas, the king of romantic ghazals, breathed his last on 26th February 2024.
mbfarookh
