The song made immortal by the Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas. Padmashri awardee & a great playback singer lost forever. This song from ‘Naam ‘ was the highlight of the film. It brought tears with it’s lines. ‘Watan ki mitti aayi hai..’
He was born on 17 May 1951 & died on 26 Feb. 2024 at the age of 72, after a prolonged illness.
He had started his career with a ghazal album ‘Aahat’ in 1980, later 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 & ‘Aafreen’ in 1986.
After his success as a ghazal singer he was invited to appear & sing for a film by Mahesh Bhatt, Naam.”Chitthi Aayi Hai.. (the letter has arrived ) became an instant hit. I remember him on stage singing to the audience in the film, all of them in tears. When I watched the film all the people around had tears & wiping with earnest. We have lost this group activity!
In 2006, he was awarded the much deserved Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award.
His two brothers, Nirmal & Manhar Udhas are also singers. Both are elder to him. Manhar Udhas introduced him to the stage . He first performed on stage during the Sino-Indian war , when he sang ‘Aye Mere Watan ke Logo’. He was given Rs. 51 by a member in the audience.
His first song in the film ‘Kamna’ a solo composed by Usha Khanna, was appreciated. The film was a flop. But he turned to ghazals & found his spot.
In 1990, he sang the melodious duet ‘Mahiya Teri Kasam’ with Lata Mangeshkar for the movie ‘Ghayal’. It was a hit. In 1994, he sang the notable song ‘Na Kajre ki Dhar’ from the film ‘Mohra’ along with Sadhana Sargam. which became very popular. ‘Saajan, ‘Yeh Dillagi, Naam, Phir teri Kahani Yaad Aayee’ have some on-screen appearances & playback. “Shagufta’ launched in December 1987 was the first to be relaeased on a compact disc in India.
Later he started a talent hunt TV program called ‘Aadab Aarz Hai’ on Sony. Actor John Abraham calls Udhas his mentor.
‘Sharab Cheez hi aisi hai Na chodi Jaye..’ I had asked my brother to bring me the cassette. He asked for the title. What title ? I know only the song! Bring me that which has ‘sharab! He got me the right one. But I wondered how a teenager could demand .. sharab?! But those were the intoxicating days to fill one’s days with music. Ghazals.. The tape recorder had lot of work then.
This music album ‘Paimana’ was released on 1 January 1984. It has beautiful songs. ‘Khuda ka shukra hai’, ‘Sharab cheez hi aisi..’, ‘Na samjho ki Hum pee gaye..’, ‘La Pilade Saqiya..’, ‘Sab ko maloom Hai Mein Sharabi nahi..’, ‘Thodi thodi piya karo..’, Ek taraf uska ghar ek taraf ..’, Paimane Toot Gaye..’, Sagar se Surahi.. ‘
Words simple & tunes hummable… the kid brother then ruled the music world!
Aaj Ghazal khamosh ho gayi… Saari duniya mano Udhas ho gayi..
Na umang , na tarag.. bas mayusi hi mayusi..
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