'Beacon Of Indian Music, Whose Ghazals Spoke Directly To Soul': PM Modi, Anurag Thakur Pay Tribute To Pankaj Udhas

PM Modi called the veteran singer a "beacon of Indian music" and said his melodies transcended generations.

Ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas was suffering from a prolonged illness. 

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed deep grief over the demise of Ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas. The singer breathed his last at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on February 26. He was suffering from a prolonged illness. 

PM Modi took to his social media and offered his condolences to the family. He called the veteran singer "a beacon of Indian music" and said his melodies transcended generations.

The prime minister wrote, "We mourn the loss of Pankaj Udhas Ji, whose singing conveyed a range of emotions and whose 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."

We mourn the loss of Pankaj Udhas Ji, whose singing conveyed a range of emotions and whose 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… pic.twitter.com/5xL6Y3Sv75

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 26, 2024

Union Minister Anurag Thakur wrote on X, "Deeply saddened the news of passing of Pankaj Udhas ji. His career, spanning more than 4 decades, enriched our music industry and gifted us with some of the most memorable and melodious renditions of gazals. His demise is an irreparable loss to our music world. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.” 

Deeply saddened the news of passing of Pankaj Udhas ji. His career, spanning more than 4 decades, enriched our music industry and gifted us with some of the most memorable and melodious renditions of gazals. His demise is an irreparable loss to our music world.

My sincere… pic.twitter.com/pg82FxMwM8

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) February 26, 2024

Politician Praful Patel wrote, “Deeply saddened to hear of the demise of legendary singer, Pankaj Udhas Ji. His timeless melodies touched the hearts of millions, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his music continue to inspire generations to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Deeply saddened to hear of the demise of legendary singer, Pankaj Udhas Ji. His timeless melodies touched the hearts of millions, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his music continue to inspire generations to come. Our… pic.twitter.com/HZ99GAkIL9

— Praful Patel (@praful_patel) February 26, 2024

On Monday, the singer's family released a statement confirming the death of the ghazal maestro. 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."

The singer's last rites will be performed on Tuesday (February 27).