History of Pankaj Udhas in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 22, 2024

Pankaj Udhas is an Indian ghazal and playback singer renowned for his contributions to Hindi cinema and Indian pop music. He launched his career with the ghazal album Aahat in 1980, followed by successful albums like Mukarar, Tarrannum, Mehfil, Pankaj Udhas Live at Royal Albert Hall, Nayaab, and Aafreen. His popularity soared after he sang "Chitthi Aayee Hai" in Mahesh Bhatt's film Naam. Udhas continued to provide playback singing for numerous Hindi films and gained international fame through albums and live concerts. In 2006, he was honored with the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award. His brothers, Nirmal and Manhar Udhas, are also singers.

May 1951: Birth of Pankaj Udhas

Pankaj Udhas was born on 17 May 1951. This marked the beginning of the life of a future renowned Indian ghazal and playback singer. His contributions would later leave a significant impact on Hindi cinema and Indian pop music.

1980: Release of Aahat

In 1980, Pankaj Udhas released his debut ghazal album titled 'Aahat'. This album marked the beginning of his successful career in the music industry.

1981: Release of Mukarar

In 1981, Pankaj Udhas released another successful album titled 'Mukarara'. This further established his career as a ghazal singer.

1982: Release of Tarrannum

Pankaj Udhas released the album 'Tarrannum' in 1982, continuing his streak of successful ghazal albums.

1983: Release of Mehfil

In 1983, Pankaj Udhas released the album 'Mehfil', adding to his growing repertoire of popular ghazal albums.

1984: Live Performance at Royal Albert Hall

Pankaj Udhas performed live at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in 1984, releasing an album of the performance titled 'Pankaj Udhas Live at Royal Albert Hall'. This event showcased his international appeal and recognition.

1985: Release of Nayaab

In 1985, Pankaj Udhas released the album 'Nayaab', further cementing his place in the music industry.

1986: Fame from 'Naam'

In 1986, Pankaj Udhas gained immense fame from his performance in the film 'Naam', particularly through the hit song 'Chitthi Aayee Hai'. This marked a significant milestone in his career as a playback singer.

1986: Release of Aafreen

Pankaj Udhas released the album 'Aafreen' in 1986, continuing to produce hit ghazal albums.

December 1987: First Indian Album on Compact Disc

In December 1987, Pankaj Udhas's album 'Shagufta' was launched by Music India and became the first album to be released on compact disc in India. This was a significant technological milestone in the Indian music industry.

1990: Popular Duet with Lata Mangeshkar

In 1990, Pankaj Udhas sang the melodious duet 'Mahiya Teri Kasam' with Lata Mangeshkar for the movie 'Ghayal'. The song achieved immense popularity.

1994: Hit Song 'Na Kajre Ki Dhar'

In 1994, Pankaj Udhas sang the notable song 'Na Kajre Ki Dhar' from the film 'Mohra' along with Sadhana Sargam, which also became very popular.

2006: Awarded Padma Shri

In 2006, Pankaj Udhas was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award, recognizing his significant contributions to Indian music.

2011: Over Fifty Albums Released

By 2011, Pankaj Udhas had released over fifty albums along with hundreds of compilation albums, showcasing his prolific output and sustained popularity in the music industry.

February 2024: Death of Pankaj Udhas

On 26 February 2024, Pankaj Udhas passed away at the age of 72 due to a prolonged illness at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. His death marked the end of an era in the Indian music industry.