INFORMATION
| Artist Birthday : | 17/05/1951 (Age 73) |
| Born In : | Jetpur, Gujarat |
| Occupation(s) : | Ghazal Singer |
| Genres : | Bollywood |
| Web Site : | http://www.pankajudhas.com/ |
Pankaj Udhas is one of the finest ghazal singers of India who has been applauded around the world for his silken voice. Born in Jetpur in Gujarat to Keshubhai Udhas and Jituben Udhas, Pankaj is the youngest of three brothers. His father was a farmer but his older brothers Nirmal Udhas and Manhar Udhas are also singers.
Nirmal was the first brother to start singing in the family and is an accomplished ghazal singer himself. Manhar, on the other hand, is a playback singer who worked in some Hindi films. Pankaj’s family moved to Mumbai when he was young, where he attended the St. Xavier’s College.
He also learnt tabla at the Sangeet Natya Academy in Rajkot. He learnt Indian classical vocal music under Master Navrang.
Pankaj’s first stage performance was during the Sino-India war when he performed the song “Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo.” He was awarded Rs. 51 as a prize by one of the audience members.
His first song was for the movie Kamna. His performance was appreciated but didn’t earn him widespread recognition. He developed an interest in ghazals during this time and learnt Urdu to perfect this art.
Udhas’ career truly began with a ghazal album Aahat in 1980. He then went on to release several other albums like Mukarar in 1981, Tarrannum in 1982 and Mehfil in 1983. In the next three years, he released three more albums, namely Pankaj Udhas Live at Royal Albert Hall in 1984, Nayaab in 1985 and Aafreen in 1986. This albums helped in cementing his reputation in the ghazal singing genre.
However, till 1986, he was known mostly to people who enjoyed and relished the ghazal genre. His popularity reached the seventh sky when Mahesh Bhatt asked him to sing a song for his film Naam. The song was titled “Chitthi Aayee Hai” which became an instant hit because of Udhas’ soulful and innocent rendition of a person living away from his motherland. He also appeared in the movie, performing the song on stage, which made him a popular face amongst Indians all over the globe.
After Naam, there was no looking for him. He went on to become a playback singer in several Hindi films.
His most famous song is “Chandi Jaisa Rang” which made him added several more fans to his style of singing and beautifully presenting soft ghazals. Another famous song he sang was for the film Mohra titled “Na Kajre Ki Dhar.” Some of his best playback singing works are for the films Phir Teri Kahaani Yaad Ayi and Saajan.
Udhas has been awarded the Padma Shri in 2006, which is the fourth highest civilian award in India for his contributions to Indian music and arts.
He is married to Farida and has three daughters Nayaab, Reva and Hasrina.
