The ghazal community was hit with a wave of melancholy this week when iconic singer Pankaj Udhas departed from this world. He passed away on Monday after a long battle with illness. Udhas, not just a colossus in the realm of music but also a heartfelt advocate for the city of Mumbai, left behind a legacy filled with admiration for the metropolitan’s spirit.
Pankaj Udhas, a name that resonates with deep emotional ghazals and mellifluous tunes, had an unrivaled connection with Mumbai, a metropolis he championed with fervor. Likening himself to a guardian of the city’s honor, he once expressed how personal the city was to him, especially when faced with detractors or during times of urban struggle.
Expressing his thoughts on Mumbai, Udhas lamented the disarray he observed, “It hurts to see the roads in such a bad condition and dirt everywhere.” He recognized the need for open spaces – sanctuaries where average families could decompress and enjoy the semblance of a leisurely weekend. He envisioned sea-facing promenades as havens for middle-class families, a large demographic in the city that often ended up at Girgaum Chowpatty or Gateway of India for lack of better options.
These remarks were made by the ghazal maestro as he walked through Kala Ghoda, reflecting on his album crafted to pay homage to Mumbai. But his connection with the city wasn’t limited to musings on its state. The Gateway of India held a treasure trove of memories from his college days, where he, along with friends, would sit on the stone walls, watching over the sea. Warden Road’s coffee shops served as nostalgic landmarks from his youth, back when the energy was vibrant and the location was humorously dubbed ‘scandal point.’ He had shared how Mumbai housed the only discotheque named Blow Up at the Taj, reminiscing fondly about his dancing escapades there.
Best known for evocative tracks like ‘Chitthi Ayee Hai’ and ‘Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein,’ Pankaj Udhas built an illustrious career that spanned decades. His art transcended the bounds of ghazals as he also lent his voice to the Hindi film industry, enriching movies like ‘Naam’, ‘Saajan’, and ‘Mohra’ with his vocal grace. His passing at the age of 72 was confirmed by his daughter Nayab. The end came around 11 am at the renowned Breach Candy Hospital.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to express his condolences, lauding Udhas for his indelible contributions to Indian music. The world of music came together in mourning; eminent figures like singer Sonu Nigam and composer Shankar Mahadevan paid their respects to the departed soul.
Pankaj Udhas’s voice, which so eloquently captured the emotional depths of human experiences, has been silenced, but his songs will continue to resonate in the hearts of his listeners. As much as his music, his love for Mumbai, reflecting the dynamic and resilient spirit of its residents, enshrines a narrative of pride and belonging that will remain as an integral part of his legacy.
As the nation comes to terms with this loss, it becomes evident that Pankaj Udhas was more than a musician—he was a symbol of cultural pride and a voice of the people. His reverence for the character and ethos of Mumbai mirrors the sentiments of millions who thrive in the bustling streets, seeking solace in its promise and resilience. The city, a microcosm of hope and ambition, bids farewell to one of its greatest admirers and advocates, promising to honor his memory by striving towards the vision he held dear. The ghazal legend might have ended his earthly sonnet, but his melody lingers on, a timeless tribute to his beloved Mumbai.
