MUMBAI: Renowned Indian ghazal maestro and playback singer Pankaj Udhas (72) died after a prolonged illness, on Monday, local media reported citing his close associate.
Udhas had been suffering from an undisclosed illness and was receiving treatment qt a private hospital in Mumbai, where he breathed his last on February 26.
The vocalist was awarded the Padma Shri in 2006, and is known for giving many hit songs in Bollywood.
He was born in Gujarat’s Jetpur in May 1951. His eldest brother Manhar Udhas was also a successful film playback singer, while another brother, Nirmal Udhas, was also a well-known ghazal singer.
Pankaj Udhas initially was interested in playing tabla, but then started learning classical music from Ustaad Ghulam Qadir Khan.
During his career he gave many hits to Bollywood. His first song was for the film “Kamna” in 1971.
