The family of Ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas claims he passed away from a protracted illness.

The family of ghazal master Pankaj Udhas released a statement confirming his death following a protracted illness. The vocalist gained recognition for his playback singing in movies and his emotional ghazals. The musician has reportedly passed away, according to news agency PTI.Aahat, a ghazal album, marked the beginning of his career in 1980. He went on to record a number of songs, including 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.Following his ghazal singing career, he received an invitation to sing in Mahesh Bhatt's movie Naam. After performing the blockbuster song "Chitthi Aayee Hai" in the movie Naam, Udhas gained even more notoriety.India's fourth-highest civilian honor, the Padma Shri, was given to Pankaj Udhas in 2006.Born into a family of three brothers, Udhas was the youngest in Jetpur, Gujarat. Keshubhai and Jituben Udhas were his parents. Manhar Udhas, his older brother, was a successful Hindi playback singer in Bollywood movies. Nirmal Udhas, his second older brother, was a well-known ghazal singer.

New Delhi: His family has informed that veteran Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas passed away on February 26 at the age of 73 following a protracted illness. The ghazal maestro's death was confirmed by a statement issued by the singer's family. "With a very heavy heart, Udhas family," the statement said.According to his family, veteran ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas passed suddenly on February 26 at the age of 73 following a protracted illness. The ghazal maestro's death was confirmed by the singer's family in a statement. "We are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on February 26th," the message stated.According to his family, veteran ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas passed suddenly on February 26 at the age of 73 following a protracted illness.The ghazal maestro's death was confirmed by the singer's family in a statement.