Ghazal icon Pankaj Udhas breathes his last at 73

Renowned Ghazal maestro, Padmashri Pankaj Udhas, bid farewell to the world at the age of 73, succumbing to a prolonged illness on February 26. The news was confirmed by his grieving family, who issued a statement expressing their profound sorrow at his passing.

The statement, released by the Udhas family, conveyed the somber news, stating,

 "With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on 26th February due to a prolonged illness." The loss of the ghazal legend reverberated through the hearts of his admirers and the music fraternity alike.

For the unversed, Udhas had been battling health issues for some time, and his condition had deteriorated in recent days, leading to his admission to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital, where he breathed his last. His departure marks the end of an era in the world of Indian music, leaving behind a legacy cherished by millions.

Pankaj Udhas was a stalwart in the realm of ghazals, enchanting audiences with his soulful renditions and poignant lyrics for decades. His velvety voice and emotive performances earned him a revered status, not just in India but across the globe. Throughout his illustrious career, Udhas captivated listeners with timeless classics like "Chitthi Aayi Hai" and "Aur Aahista Kijiye Baatein," etching his name in the annals of musical history.