Renowned ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, best known for his ghazals Chitthi Ayee Hai and Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein, died on Monday (February 26) following a prolonged illness, his daughter Nayaab confirmed the news. He was 72.

When is Pankaj Udhas' last rites?

Udhas made a mark as a playback singer in numerous Hindi films, including Naam, Saajan and Mohra. The last rites will be held on Tuesday, February 26. Nayaab Udhas shared a post on his Instagram handle which reads, "In loving memory of Padma Shri Pankaj Udhas. With a very heavy heart, we are saddnened to inform you of his demise on the February 26, 2024 due to a prolonged illness."

"The funeral will take place on Tuesday from 3 to 5 PM. Venue: Hindi Crematorium, Worli, Mumbai," and signed off as “The Udhas Family”.

What caused Pankaj Udhas' death?

Udhas was suffering from cancer and undergoing treatment at a Breach Candy hospital for some time now. He died around 11 AM at the Breach Candy hospital in Mumbai, a family source said. His daughter shared a post on her social media handle and wrote, "With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padma Shri Pankaj Udhas on 26th February 2024 due to a prolonged illness."

He had over 60 albums - including the first-ever released on a CD in India - and hundreds of compilation albums to his credit and was still active in concerts until the last moment. While continuing with ghazals, he also kept his tryst with popular music, of the Bollywood variety, with some famous including Aaj phir tumpe pyaar aaya hai, Mohabbat inayat karam dekhte hain, Jiye to jiye kaise,  Na kajre ki dhaar among many others.

The singer is survived by his wife Farida Udhas and daughters -  Nayaab Udhas, Reva Udhas.