Pankaj Udhas, Singer
Singer

Pankaj Udhas

Born 17 May 1951 · Gujarat — Died 26 February 2024

Sang the iconic ghazal 'Chitthi Aayee Hai' for the 1986 film Naam.

Pankaj Udhas was an Indian ghazal and playback singer known for his works in Hindi cinema, and Indian pop. He started his career with the release of a ghazal album titled Aahat in 1980 and subsequently recorded many hits like Mukarar in 1981, Tarrannum in 1982, Mehfil in 1983, Pankaj Udhas Live at Royal Albert Hall in 1984, Nayaab in 1985 and Aafreen in 1986. After his success as a ghazal singer, he was invited to appear and sing for a film by Mahesh Bhatt, Naam, in which his song "Chitthi Aayee Hai" became an instant hit. He did playback singing for many Hindi films after that.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Pankaj Udhas maintained a ritual of reciting the Hanuman Chalisa before every stage performance throughout his career.

The Story

1
🎤 In 1980, Pankaj Udhas released his debut ghazal album Aahat, marking the start of a distinct voice in Indian music that brought Urdu ghazals into mainstream popularity.
2
🎶 In 1986, his song "Chitthi Aayee Hai" for Mahesh Bhatt’s film Naam resonated deeply with millions, becoming an anthem for those separated from their homeland before modern communication tools existed.
3Born in 1951 in Navagadh, Gujarat, Udhas was the youngest of three brothers in a family with a rich musical and administrative heritage, including a grandfather who served as Diwan of Bhavnagar State.
4Before fame, Udhas earned a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Xavier's College Mumbai while training in classical music under Navrang Nagpurkar, blending formal education with rigorous musical discipline.

🏅 Awards & Honours

2006
Padma Shri
2025
Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1962, during the Sino-Indian War, a young Pankaj Udhas performed 'Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon' on stage, earning Rs 51 from an audience member as his first public recognition.

🖼️

Through the Years

6 photographs from the archives
The President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presenting Padma Shri to Pankaj Udhas in New Delhi (2006).
The President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presenting Padma Shri to Pankaj Udhas in New Delhi (2006).
2006
Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram handing policy to Pankaj Udhas at Mumbai launch (2009).
Pankaj Udhas and Anup Jalota at the Annual Charity Ghazal concert 'Khazana' (2011).
Pankaj Udhas at the launch of his song 'Zindagi' in 2015.
Pankaj Udhas with Anup Jalota and Nikhil Kamath launching 'Zindagi' in 2015.

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Birth in Navagadh, Gujarat
Pankaj Udhas was born in a Charan family in Navagadh village near Jetpur, Gujarat, into a family with musical and administrative background.
1951
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Career
Early stage performance during India-China war
Udhas performed 'Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon' during the Sino-Indian War, receiving Rs 51 from an audience member.
1962
⚡
Career
Released debut album Aahat
Udhas launched his professional singing career with the ghazal album Aahat, introducing his style to the music world.
1980
⚡
Career
Live concert at Royal Albert Hall
He performed live at London’s Royal Albert Hall, marking a significant international milestone in his career.
1984
⚡
Career
Playback singing breakthrough in Naam
Udhas sang 'Chitthi Aayee Hai' in the film Naam, a song that became emblematic for Indian diaspora emotions.
1986
🏅
Award
Received Padma Shri award
The Government of India honored Udhas with the Padma Shri for his contributions to music and arts.
2006
🕊️
Death
Death in Mumbai
Pankaj Udhas passed away after a prolonged illness at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.
2024
🏅
Award
Posthumous Padma Bhushan
He was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India, recognizing his lasting impact on Indian music.
2025
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

His grandfather was the first graduate from Navagadh village and served as the Diwan (revenue minister) of Bhavnagar State, linking Udhas to a legacy of education and governance.

Wikipedia
02 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Udhas was formally trained in tabla at Rajkot’s Sangeet Natya Academy before shifting focus to vocal classical music under Ghulam Qadir Khan and Navrang Nagpurkar.

03 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

His 1986 film song 'Chitthi Aayee Hai' from Naam became a cultural phenomenon for Indians living abroad, before the era of WhatsApp or video calls.

No quote recorded for Pankaj Udhas yet.

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Shakhsiyat with Pankaj Udhas
More from this archive
Shakhsiyat with Pankaj Udhas
01
Shakhsiyat with Pankaj Udhas
Rare Interview Of Pankaj Udhas #titannews #bollywood #bollywoodcelebrity
02
Rare Interview Of Pankaj Udhas #titannews #bollywood #bollywoodcelebrity
His Music, His Inspiration, His Journey | Pankaj Udhas | Talks at Google
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His Music, His Inspiration, His Journey | Pankaj Udhas | Talks at Google
Pankaj Udhas Full Interview: Chitthi Aayi Hai की making की कहानी | Naam | Sanjay Dutt
04
Pankaj Udhas Full Interview: Chitthi Aayi Hai की making की कहानी | Naam | Sanjay Dutt
Pankaj Udhas Last Interview: निधन के बाद Viral हुआ पंकज उधास का आखिरी इंटरव्यू ! |Pankaj Udhas Death
05
Pankaj Udhas Last Interview: निधन के बाद Viral हुआ पंकज उधास का आखिरी इंटरव्यू ! |Pankaj Udhas Death
Jagjit Singh and Pankaj Udhas interviewed by Anurradha Prasad| November 1998 | March 1999
06
Jagjit Singh and Pankaj Udhas interviewed by Anurradha Prasad| November 1998 | March 1999
Pankaj Udhas का निधन, जानिए Chitthi Aayi Hai के हिट होने के पीछे की पूरी कहानी |  Interview
07
Pankaj Udhas का निधन, जानिए Chitthi Aayi Hai के हिट होने के पीछे की पूरी कहानी |  Interview
Pankaj Udhas Reveals His Struggle
08
Pankaj Udhas Reveals His Struggle
Young talent needs the right path | Pankaj Udhas || converSAtions || Sudeep Audio
09
Young talent needs the right path | Pankaj Udhas || converSAtions || Sudeep Audio
FriendsworldTV in conversation with Pankaj Udhas
10
FriendsworldTV in conversation with Pankaj Udhas

🌱 What changed because of them

Pankaj Udhas brought ghazal music from niche Urdu poetry circles to a mass Indian audience, particularly through cinema, making it accessible beyond traditional listeners. His global concerts, including the Royal Albert Hall performance, opened doors for Indian classical and ghazal artists internationally. His iconic song "Chitthi Aayee Hai" became a cultural touchstone for diaspora communities, symbolizing separation and longing.

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