Pankaj Udhas funeral: Singer laid to rest with gun salute, friends pay final respects

Renowned ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, whose velvet smooth voice gave expression to the many colours of love, longing and heartache in songs such as “Chitthi Ayee Hai” and “Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein”, died in Mumbai on Monday after a prolonged illness. He was laid to rest by his family and friends on Tuesday afternoon.

Udhas, who also made a mark as a playback singer in many Hindi films, including “Dayavan”, “Naam”, “Saajan” and “Mohra”, died around 11am at the Breach Candy Hospital.

“With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on 26th February 2024 due to a prolonged illness,” his daughter Nayaab wrote in an Instagram post.

“This is not only a personal loss, but the whole nation has lost a prolific singer and a great human being,” Breach Candy Hospital Trust said in a note.

Ahead of the funeral, the singer’s body was taken out for the final journey. His body was covered in an Indian flag. The final journey of the ghazal singer began with a grand tribute performance by a band. The hearse, decorated with white flowers, was carried out in the streets.

India President Droupadi Murmu and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi were amongst the many who mourned the singer’s death. “Pankaj Udhas ji, honoured with Padma Shri and other awards, made an important contribution in popularising music. My condolences to his family and fans,” the president said.

According to Narendra Modi, Udhas’ singing conveyed a range of emotions and his ghazals spoke directly to the soul.

“He was a beacon of Indian music, whose melodies transcended generations. I recall my various interactions with him over the years. His departure leaves a void in the music world that can never be filled. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” Modi said.

Celebrities, friends, and family paid their final tributes to the singer on Tuesday.

Indian cricket commentator Sunil Gavaskar, filmmaker Vishal Bharadwaj and his wife Rekha Bharadwaj, musicians Zakir Hussain, Taufiq Qureshi, Shankar Mahadevan, and Shaan, amongst others, arrived at the Udhas residence to pay final respects.

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