Pankaj Udhas Biography 
Pankaj Udhas is a very popular Ghazal singer of present times. Along with his contemporaries like Jagjit Singh and Talat Aziz, he has played a significant role in popularizing Ghazals among common man by giving it new frames. He rose to fame with the ghazal, ‘Chitti aayi hai aayi hai’ singing in the 1986 film Naam. He was seen in its musical video as well. Later he was seen in many movies singing ghazals of which ‘Jise to jiye kaise’ of movie ‘Saajan’ (1991) needs special mention. He has released many ghazal albums and has conducted many foreign tours as well. He is always regarded as one among the most celebrated singers of India at present. In 2006, Pankaj Udhas was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award. He has received numerous awards and resignations till now and it is not at all an easy task to list them all. In short, he is a very popular ghazal singer at present.
Pankaj Udhas was born in Jetpur near Rajkot in Gujarat. His father's name is Keshubhai Udhas and mother's name is Jituben Udhas. His elder brother Manhar Udhas is also a ghazal singer and has done playback singing for a few Bollywood movies as well. His second elder brother Nirmal Udhas is also a well-known Ghazal Singer. Pankaj was the youngest of three brothers of the family.
It was Manhar who introduced Pankaj to stage singing and ghazals. His first stage performance was during the Sino-Indian War, when he sang "Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo”. Four years later, he joined the Sangeet Natya Academy in Rajkot to learn Tabla. After completing his degree, he started training in Indian classical vocal under the tutelage of Master Navrang. Udhas's first song was in film Kamna composed by Usha Khanna. Though the movie was a flop, his song was noticed. Subsequently, Pankaj Udhas developed an interest in ghazals. It prompted him to learn Urdu and see ghazal singing seriously.
His first ghazal album, Aahat was released in 1980. Till now, more than 50 albums were released. Mehak released in the year 2000 became immensely popular. Music videos of the album Mehek - Yu mere khat ka pictured on John Abraham, Mekhane se sharab se and Chupke chupke sakhiyom ke sang became chartbusters that year. As a playback singer, his ghazals have always enjoyed a special treat. Na kajre ki of Mohra and Mahiya Teri Kasam of Ghayal need special mention. He has also made screen appearances in the hit movies - Yeh Dillagi, Saajan and Phir Teri Kahaani Yaad Aayee, as a ghazal singer.
Published: N/A
Updated: September 16, 2013
