Pankaj Udhas - Songs, Career, Age, Family, Net Worth

Table of Content

• Biography
• Age
• Family
• Career
• Top 5 Songs 
• Career Timeline
• Net Worth
• Awards
• 8 Interesting Facts About  Pankaj Udhas

Biography

Pankaj Udhas is an esteemed Indian ghazal singer known for his captivating voice and soulful renditions. Born on May 17, 1951, in Jetpur, Gujarat, India, Pankaj Udhas discovered his passion for music at a young age. He hails from a family with a rich musical heritage, with his elder brothers Manhar Udhas and Nirmal Udhas also being renowned singers.

Pankaj Udhas began his musical journey in the 1970s and soon gained recognition for his exceptional talent and unique style of singing ghazals. His velvety voice, coupled with his ability to convey profound emotions through his music, quickly won the hearts of listeners. Pankaj Udhas' ghazals, characterized by their poetic lyrics and melodious compositions, have touched the souls of millions.

Over the years, Pankaj Udhas has released numerous successful albums and delivered mesmerizing performances in concerts across the globe. His songs, such as Chitthi Aayi Hai, Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein, and Jeeye To Jeeye Kaise, have become timeless classics, earning him a dedicated fan base.

Pankaj Udhas has collaborated with some of the most renowned composers and lyricists in the industry, creating unforgettable musical experiences. His ability to bring depth, passion, and emotions to his performances has made him one of the most celebrated ghazal singers in India.

Apart from his musical endeavors, Pankaj Udhas is also involved in charitable and philanthropic activities. He has actively contributed to social causes and has been honored with several prestigious awards for his contributions to the world of music and his philanthropic efforts.

Pankaj Udhas' rich musical legacy and his unwavering commitment to the art of ghazals continue to inspire aspiring musicians and touch the hearts of music lovers around the world. His timeless melodies and soulful expressions have secured him a special place in the realm of Indian music.

Age

Pankaj Udhas was born on May 17, 1951, in Jetpur, Gujarat, India. His zodiac sign is Taurus. As of 2023, his age is 72.

Family

Pankaj Udhas was born in Jetpur in Gujarat. He is the youngest of the three brothers. His parents are Keshubhai Udhas and Jituben Udhas. His eldest brother Manhar Udhas achieved some success as a Hindi playback singer in Bollywood films. His second elder brother Nirmal Udhas is also a well-known Ghazal Singer and was the first of the three brothers to start singing in the family. He had studied in Sir BPTI Bhavanagar. His family moved to Mumbai and Pankaj attended St. Xavier's College in Mumbai. Udhas' family hails from a town named Charkhadi near Rajkot and were zamindars . His grandfather was the first graduate from the village and went on to become the Diwan (revenue minister) of the Bhavnagar State. His father, Keshubhai Udhas, was a government servant and had met the renowned veena player.

Career

A song titled Chandi Jaisa Rang hai tera, sone jaise bal was sung by Pankaj Udhas. Pankaj Udhas' older brother, Manhar Udhas was a stage performer that aided Pankaj in his introduction to musical performance. His first stage performance was during the Sino-Indian War, when he sang Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo and was given Rs. 51 by an audience member as a reward.

Four years later he joined the Sangeet Natya Academy in Rajkot and learned the nuances of playing the tabla. After that, he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree at Wilson College and St Xavier's college, Mumbai and started training in Indian classical vocal music under the tutelage of Master Navrang. Udhas's first song was in the film Kamna a solo composed by Usha Khanna and written by Naqsh Lyallpuri, the film was a flop but his rendition was very much appreciated. Subsequently, Udhas developed an interest in ghazals and learned Urdu to try to pursue a career as a ghazal singer. He spent ten months in Canada and the US doing ghazal concerts and returned to India with renewed vigour and confidence. His first ghazal album, Aahat, was released in 1980. From this, he began to have success and, as of 2011 he has released more than fifty albums and hundreds of compilation albums. In 1986, Udhas received another opportunity to perform in film, in the film Naam, which brought him fame. In 1990, he sang the melodious duet Mahiya Teri Kasam with Lata Mangeshkar, for the movie Ghayal. This song achieved immense popularity. In 1994, Udhas sang the notable song, Na Kajre Ki Dhar, from the film Mohra along with Sadhana Sargam which also became very popular. He continued working as a playback singer, making some on-screen appearances in films such as Saajan, Yeh Dillagi, Naam and Phir Teri Kahaani Yaad Aayee. His album Shagufta launched by Music India in December 1987 was the first to be released on compact disc in India. Later, Udhas started a talent hunt television program called Aadab Aarz Hai on Sony Entertainment Television. Actor John Abraham calls Udhas his mentor.

Top 5 songs 

Chitthi Aayi Hai

Play

This iconic song by Pankaj Udhas is a heartfelt expression of longing and love. With soulful lyrics and melodious music, Pankaj Udhas captivates listeners with his emotional rendition. Chitthi Aayi Hai has become synonymous with his name and remains one of his most popular and cherished songs.

Na Kajre Ki Dhar

A romantic ballad from the movie Mohra, this song showcases Pankaj Udhas' versatility as a singer. With soothing vocals and a mesmerizing melody, he beautifully captures the essence of love and devotion. Na Kajre Ki Dhar is known for its timeless appeal and continues to be a favourite among music lovers.

Jeeye To Jeeye Kaise

Play

From the movie Saajan, this melodious track by Pankaj Udhas is a soul-stirring rendition of love and separation. His emotive voice conveys the pain and longing expressed in the lyrics, making it a poignant and memorable song. Jeeye To Jeeye Kaise is cherished for its emotional depth and remains an evergreen classic.

Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai Tera

A popular song from the movie Pankaj Udhas - Live in Concert, this track showcases Pankaj Udhas' mesmerizing voice and exceptional vocal range. With its poetic lyrics and soothing melody, the song creates a serene and peaceful ambiance. Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai Tera is a timeless composition that highlights Pankaj Udhas' mastery over ghazals.

Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein

Play

A ghazal that reflects the essence of Pankaj Udhas' style, Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein is a beautiful composition that lingers in the hearts of listeners. With his smooth and expressive vocals, Pankaj Udhas effortlessly conveys the emotions embedded in the lyrics, creating an enchanting musical experience. This song showcases his ability to evoke deep emotions through his soulful singing.

Career Timeline

Net Worth

Pankaj Udhas is one of the richest World Music Singer & is listed on the most popular World Music Singer. Pankaj Udhas's net worth $5 Million.

Awards

• 2006 – Pankaj Udhas Awarded Padmashree for his contribution to the art of ghazal singing his huge contribution to cancer patients and thalassemic children through his on the occasion of him completing 25 years of ghazal singing.
• 2006 – Awarded the prestigious Kalakar award at Kolkata for Hasrat as Best Ghazal album of 2005.
• 2004 – Special Felicitation at the Wembley Conference Center, London for Completing 20 Years of Performance at the Prestigious Venue.
• 2003 – MTV Immies Award for the successful album 'In Search of Meer'.
• 2003 – Special Achievement Award at the Bollywood Music Award, New York for Popularizing Ghazals Across the Globe.
• 2003 – Dadabhai Naoroji Millennium Award conferred by the Dadabhai Naoroji International Society for Contribution to Ghazal and the Music Industry.
• 2002 – Award for Excellence in Music Field presented by Sahyog Foundation at Mumbai.
• 2002 – Honored by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce.
• 2001 – Vocational Recognition Award for Outstanding Performance as a Ghazal singer presented by Rotary Club of Mumbai Downtown.
• 1999 – Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, USA Award for extraordinary services to Indian music, especially promotion of ghazals in India and abroad. Presented at the Festival of Ghazals held in New York.
• 1998 – Indian Arts Awards Gala presented by the Mayor of the City of Jersey City.
• 1998 – Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award presented by the American Academy of Artists at Atlantic City.
• 1996 – Indira Gandhi Priyadarshani Award for Outstanding Services, Achievement and Contribution to Music.
• 1994 – Honorary Citizenship of Lubbock Texas, USA.
• 1994 – Radio Lotus Award for Outstanding Achievement and for the many songs featuring on the official hit parade of the radio. Presented by Radio Lotus, South Africa at the University of Durban.
• 1993 – Giants International Award for extraordinary efforts to achieve the highest standards in the field of music thereby motivating the entire community to pursue excellence.
• 1990 – Outstanding Young Persons' Award (1989–90) for positive leadership and distinguish services rendered to the nation. Presented by the Indian Junior Chambers.
• 1985 – K L Saigal Award for being the Best Ghazal Singer of the Year.

8 Interesting Facts About Pankaj Udhas

• Pankaj belongs to a family of Zamindars near Rajkot in Gujarat.
• He developed interest in singing when he was around 5 years old, because of his elder brother Manhar Udhas who was a stage performer.
• He gave his first stage performance on the song Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon during the Indo-Chinese war in 1962, and someone from the crowd gave him 51 (INR) for his sheer talent.
• He initially received training in music from Sangeet Natya Academy in Rajkot for 4 years.
• Despite having interest in music, he gave priority to his studies and went to Mumbai to complete his graduation, during which he was a popular face in inter-collegiate singing programs.
• Initially, he tried his luck in Bollywood, but due to the domination of singers like Mohammad Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Mukesh, etc., he found no opportunities.
• Luckily in those difficult times, he heard the voices of famous ghazal singers Mehndi Hasan and Begum Akhtar, after which he developed interest in ghazals and learned Urdu for that.
• After his initial struggling period in ghazal music of around 4 years, he shifted to Canada and did few shows over there. Luckily, he received great response from there, after which came back to India.