Shankar Mahadevan: Pankaj Udhas was was a true well-wisher and a guiding light for us; his demise leaves a significant void in our music industry – Exclusive | – Times of India

Legendary singer Pankaj Udhas has passed away at the age of 72, after a prolonged illness. His daughter Nayaab confirmed the news.
While the music industry is still coming to terms with the shocking news, ETimes got in touch with Shankar Mahadevan who looked up to the Ghazal singer. “Pankaj ji was a true well-wisher and a guiding light for us. He has been in the industry much before us and he was an inspiration to us.He is the one who got into non-film music and made it so popular. He was a true gentleman. He was always filled with positive energy and was always encouraging us, blessing us with his positive comments.”

Elaborating further, he added, “His daughter Nayaab has taken after him. She is organizing some of the finest events in the country. His entire family is a set of beautiful people. We are really going to miss Pankaj ji very badly. His demise leaves a significant void in our music industry because he was a very important person in the music fraternity whom we used to look up to not only for musical support but also for emotional support and also for the strength and brotherhood.”

See more: Ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas passes at 72

The family of the renowned ghazal singer has announced his unexpected passing. In a statement relayed by his daughter Nayaab, they express profound sorrow as they inform of the demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhar on February 26, 2024, after battling a long-standing illness.

Reacting to the news, Sonu Nigam took to his Instagram handle 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.”
Pankaj Udhas was best known for his songs like ‘Chitti Ayi Hai’, ‘Chandi Jaisa Rang‘, ‘Aur Ahista‘ and many more.