Pankaj Udhas Passes Away at 72, Patna Remembers Ghazal Maestro

Patna: The world of music mourns the loss of Pankaj Udhas, the beloved ghazal singer whose mesmerizing voice captivated audiences for nearly four decades. At the age of 72, Udhas breathed his last after a prolonged illness on Monday, leaving behind a profound void in the hearts of millions who cherished his velvety melodies.

In Patna, where Udhas held a special place in the hearts of music enthusiasts, his passing elicited profound sadness. Hailing from the world of ghazals, Udhas cultivated a dedicated following among the common people of Bihar, who would stay awake through the night to revel in his soul-stirring performances.

Udhas’s connection with Patna ran deep, as recounted by Dr. Shankar Prasad, former president of Bihar Sangeet Natak Academy. Reflecting on Udhas’s legacy, Dr. Prasad recalled an event in Bodhgaya circa 1997, where the ghazal maestro enthralled the audience, including the presence of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, who awarded him a prize of Rs 10,000.

Dr. Prasad further reminisced about a poignant moment shared with Udhas during a program in Saharsa district, where both he and Udhas coincidentally wore black kurtas, symbolizing a shared artistic resonance.

Echoing similar sentiments, Dr. Vibha Sinha, former Assistant Secretary of Bihar Sangeet Natak Academy, fondly recalled accompanying Udhas during a performance in Saharsa, where his rendition of ghazals by Noon Meem Rashid resonated deeply with the audience.

Udhas’s affection for Bihar extended beyond his performances; he cherished the hospitality and warmth of the audience, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support and sense of belonging. His love for Bihar’s folk culture and cuisine, particularly the iconic Litti-Chokha, underscored his deep-rooted connection with the state.

In a memorable performance at Gandhi Maidan during the Basant Utsav program organized by the Patna Divisional Commissioner’s Office and Art Culture Youth Department in 2017, Udhas enchanted the audience with timeless classics such as “Chandi jaisa rang hai tera” and “Na kajre ki dhar,” leaving an indelible imprint on the hearts of all who were present.