Noted ghazal singer and Padmashri awardee Pankaj Udhas has died at the age of 73 after a protracted illness.

The death of the veteran singer, who was known for his ghazals like 'Chitti Ayi Hai' and 'Chandi Jaisa Rang', was confirmed by his daughter Nayaab Udhas on Instagram on February 26.

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The statement read: "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. Udhas family."

Reportedly, the singer was unwell for the last few days and passed away at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.

Udhas's legacy transcends mere musical boundaries, as he was not merely a singer but a masterful storyteller, weaving tales of love, loss, and longing through his soul-stirring ghazals. His contributions to the Indian music landscape were monumental, firmly establishing ghazals as an integral part of the nation's cultural heritage.

Songs such as 'Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai Tera' and 'Ghunghroo Toot Gaye' stand as timeless anthems for Ghazal aficionados, showcasing Udhas's unparalleled ability to evoke profound emotions with his velvety voice.

Udhas was born on April 17, 1951, in Savarkundla, Gujarat. His elder brother, Manhar Udhas, was also a successful Hindi playback singer. Pankaj relocated to Mumbai later and attended St. Xavier's College. He gained recognition as a professional singer with his song 'Chitthi Aayee Hai' from the film Naam (1986). Since then, he had recorded numerous albums, toured globally as a renowned ghazal singer, composed music for several films, and contributed as a playback singer.