Biography

Pankaj Udhas is a professional singer based out of the finance capital of India, Mumbai. He is credited with bringing his unparalleled singing technique where Urdu verses of poets are set to music to the mass audience across the country along with other musicians like Talat Aziz and Jagjit Singh. Born in 1951 in Savarkundla, Gujarat, Pankaj’s family moved to Mumbai. Here, he attended St Xavier's College. He started his career with a release of a ghazal album titled Aahat (1980) and finally recorded many hits like Mukarar (1981), Tarrannum (1982), Mehfil (1983), Pankaj Udhas Live at Royal Albert Hall (1984), Nayaab (1985), and Aafreen (1986). After his success, he was invited to appear and sing for a film by Mahesh Bhatt, Naam. Udhas further rose to fame for singing in the movie, Naam (1986), in which his song, 'Chitthi Aayee Hai' became an instant hit. He recorded numerous albums since then and toured the world as an accomplished ghazal singer. He has also produced and performed as a playback singer for many films. He received the Padma Shri award in 2006.