Indian ghazal musician Pankaj Udhas is recognised for having brought the genre of music to a wider audience in India. Born in Jetpur, Gujarat, on May 17, 1951, he started out in Bollywood as a playback vocalist before focusing on the semi-classical ghazal genre. He has played concerts all over the world and recorded more than 60 solo CDs over his career. Among the many honours bestowed upon him is the Padma Shri, which he received in 2003.
Pankaj Udhas studied classical music as a child and had a strong interest in music. Initially, he was trained by his older brother Kantilal Udhas, and subsequently by Ustad Gulam Mustafa Khan. He attended St. Xavier’s School in Ahmedabad for his education before moving to Mumbai to pursue a career in music. He studied classical music for a number of years prior to beginning his playback singing career.
Pankaj Udhas debuted as a playback vocalist for the film Hum Tum Aur Woh in 1979. He went on to sing in a number of additional films, including Prem Pratigyaa (1989), Utsav (1984), and Saath Saath (1982). However, he didn’t become well-known as a ghazal singer until 1984, when his debut solo album Aahat was released. Throughout his career, he has given over 60 record releases and given concerts all over the world.
In addition, he has worked with a number of other musicians, including Anup Jalota, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, and Jagjit Singh. Numerous motion pictures and television programmes have included his songs.Honours and Accomplishments
Pankaj Udhas’s contributions to Indian music have garnered him multiple accolades. For his performance in the Naam song “Chitthi Aayi Hai,” he was awarded the 1986 Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer. In2001, he was also the recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Ghazal Singing. India’s fourth-highest civilian award, the Padma Shri, was given to him in 2003. In 2013, the All India Ghalib Academy bestowed upon him the Ghalib Award as well.
Pankaj Udhas gained widespread recognition for his soulful and melodious ghazals, a genre of poetic and emotive songs in Urdu.
His breakthrough album, “Aahat,” released in 1980, marked the beginning of his successful career. Pankaj Udhas is known for his rich and captivating voice, which complements the deep and meaningful lyrics of ghazals. Some of his popular tracks include “Chitthi Aayi Hai,” “Jeeye To Jeeye Kaise,” and “Na Kajre Ki Dhar.”
Over the years, he has received numerous accolades for his contributions to music, and his performances have resonated with audiences both in India and abroad.
| Date Of Birth | 17 May 1951 |
|---|---|
| Age | 72 Years |
| Birth Place | Jetpur, Gujarat, India |
| Zodiac sign | Taurus |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Height | 5 Feet 6 Inches |
| Weight | 159 lbs |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Nationality | Indian |
| School | Vidya Vihar School, Rajkot |
| College | St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai |
| Educational Qualifications | Degree in Science |
| Father | Keshubhai Udhas |
| Mother | Jituben Udhas |
| Brother | Nirmal Udhas (Elder) and Manhar Udhas (Elder) |
| Hobbies | Golf and cricket and watching horse racing |
| Favourite Food | Tandoori chicken and Hyderabadi murgh biryani |
| Favourite Actor | Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor and Hrithik Roshan |
| Favourite Actress | Madhuri Dixit and Priyanka Chopra |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Affairs/Girlfriends | Farida Udhas |
| Children | Nayaab Udhas and Reva Udhas |
Pankaj Udhas has achieved significant recognition and acclaim for his contributions to the field of music, particularly in the ghazal genre. Some of his notable achievements include:
- Iconic Ghazal Singer: Pankaj Udhas is widely regarded as one of the iconic ghazal singers in the Indian music industry. His soulful renditions and emotive performances have made him a prominent figure in this genre.
- Breakthrough Album – “Aahat”: His 1980 album “Aahat” marked a breakthrough in his career, gaining widespread popularity and establishing him as a notable ghazal artist.
- Chart-Topping Hits: Pankaj Udhas has delivered numerous chart-topping ghazals over the years, with songs like “Chitthi Aayi Hai,” “Jeeye To Jeeye Kaise,” and “Na Kajre Ki Dhar” becoming immensely popular.
- International Recognition: His music has transcended borders, and Pankaj Udhas has earned recognition not only in India but also internationally. He has performed in various countries, contributing to the global appreciation of ghazal music.
- Awards and Honors: Pankaj Udhas has received several awards for his outstanding contributions to music. These include Filmfare Awards and other honors that acknowledge his talent and impact on the music industry.
- Longevity in the Industry: Pankaj Udhas has maintained a successful and enduring career, showcasing his longevity and relevance in the music industry. His consistent ability to connect with audiences over decades reflects his enduring popularity.
- Cultural Ambassador: Through his music, Pankaj Udhas has contributed to the promotion of Indian culture and ghazal music, earning him the reputation of a cultural ambassador.
