Indian ghazal and playback singer Pankaj Udhas passed away on Monday following a prolonged illness.

The news was shared by his daughter Nayaab Udhas on her Instagram page. “With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on 26th February 2024 due to a prolonged illness,” the post read.

According to sources, the singer breathed his last at a hospital in Mumbai at 11 am. His last rites will be held on Tuesday.

The 71-year-old singer started his career with the release of a ghazal album titled ‘Aahat’ in 1980 and subsequently recorded many hits like ‘Mukarar’ in 1981, ‘Tarrannum’ in 1982, ‘Mehfil’ in 1983, ‘Pankaj Udhas Live at Royal Albert Hall’ in 1984, ‘Nayaab’ in 1985 and ‘Aafreen’ in 1986.

Udhas rose to further fame for singing in the 1986 film ‘Naam’ in which his song “Chitthi Aayee Hai” became an instant hit. He did playback singing for many Hindi films after that.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the demise of the music legend.

“We mourn the loss of Pankaj Udhas Ji, whose singing conveyed a range of emotions and whose Ghazals spoke directly to the soul. He was a beacon of Indian music, whose melodies transcended generations. I recall my various interactions with him over the years. His departure leaves a void in the music world that can never be filled. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” he said in a post on ‘X’.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said Udhas’ career enriched the Indian music industry and gifted people with some of the most memorable and melodious renditions of gazals.

“Deeply saddened the news of passing of Pankaj Udhas ji. His career, spanning more than 4 decades, enriched our music industry and gifted us with some of the most memorable and melodious renditions of gazals. His demise is an irreparable loss to our music world. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.

Singer Sonu Nigam took to his official Instagram account to mourn the singer’s death. He shared a picture of the legend and wrote, “One of the most important part of my childhood, is lost today. Shri Pankaj Udhas ji, I will miss you forever. My heart cries knowing that you are no more. Thank you for being there. Om Shanti.”

Some of Udhas’ evergreen ghazals are “Chitthi Aayi Hai”, “Chandani Raat Mein”, “Na Kajre Ki Dhaar”, “Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein”, “Ek Taraf Uska Ghar” and “Thodi Thodi Piya Karo”.

He is survived by wife Farida Udhas, daughters Nayaab and Reva Udhas, and brothers Nirmal and Manhar Udhas, who are also singers.

In 2006, Udhas was awarded Padma Shri, the country’s fourth highest civilian award.