The Government of India has posthumously conferred the prestigious Padma Bhushan on Shri Pankaj Udhas, the legendary ghazal singer who mesmerized generations with his soulful voice and lyrical finesse. Recognized in the Art category, the award honours his remarkable legacy in popularizing ghazals and bridging classical poetry with mainstream music.
Shri Udhas, who passed away on February 26, 2024, at the age of 72, had a career spanning over four decades. His journey began with the album Aahat in 1980, followed by a string of successful albums including Mukarrar, Tarrannum, and Mehfil. However, it was his heart-touching performance of “Chitthi Aayi Hai” in the 1986 film Naam that made him a household name across India and abroad.
Throughout his career, Pankaj Udhas not only captivated audiences with his velvety voice but also introduced the younger generation to the beauty of ghazal and Urdu poetry. His work earned him several accolades, including the Padma Shri in 2006, and his performances resonated with listeners across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
At the Padma Awards ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, his wife Smt. Farida Udhas accepted the award on his behalf. In an emotional statement, she said:
“This honour is a moment of pride for our family and for the millions who found solace in his music. We wish he were here to witness this.”
Artists across the music industry, including Sonu Nigam, Shankar Mahadevan, and Anup Jalota, paid rich tributes to his memory, calling his Padma Bhushan a fitting recognition for a life devoted to enriching India’s musical soul.
The posthumous honour for Shri Pankaj Udhas stands as a timeless tribute to a voice that brought poetry to life, evoked nostalgia, and etched itself in the cultural consciousness of India. His ghazals will continue to live on, echoing through every emotion he once gave melody to.
