The musical maestro and legendary ghazal playback singer, Pankaj Udhas, passed away on Monday, 26 February after battling a prolonged illness. The late singer’s family confirmed the news on Monday morning, leaving fans heartbroken. As soon as the statement came out, condolences and tributary messages started pouring all over the Internet, with fans and celebrities mourning his sudden demise.
Widely known for releasing numerous albums and gracing the stage with many live concerts, Pankaj Udhas has inspired many singers and remains an idol for artists.
However, do you know it was at one of Pankaj Udhas’s live concerts where Shah Rukh Khan got his first earnings?
When Shah Rukh Khan got his first earnings at Pankaj Udhas’s concert
In 2017, the Bollywood superstar, during the promotion of one of his films, opened up about how he earned Rs 50 by working as an usher at Pankaj Udhas’s concert and later used it to go to Agra.
“I traveled some long distances when I was younger. I did one. When I got my first earnings from Pankaj Udhas’s concert, I was an usher. We got Rs 50, so we went to Taj Mahal, saved money,” he said, according to a Pinkvilla report.
Pankaj Udhas’s last rites
Following his tragic demise on Monday, the last rites of the renowned ghazal singer will take place on Tuesday. Confirming the same, his daughter Nayaab Udhas shared a post on Instagram stating that the funeral will take place on Tuesday afternoon at the Hindu Crematorium in Worli, Mumbai.
As per the latest information, Pankaj Udhas died at around 11 AM at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on Monday morning. In the wake of the news, many noted figures and celebrities offered condolences to the family. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to his X account and wrote, “We mourn the loss of Pankaj Udhas Ji, whose singing conveyed a range of emotions and whose Ghazals spoke directly to the soul. He was a beacon of Indian music, whose melodies transcended generations. I recall my various interactions with him over the years. His departure leaves a void in the music world that can never be filled.
Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
We mourn the loss of Pankaj Udhas Ji, whose singing conveyed a range of emotions and whose Ghazals spoke directly to the soul. He was a beacon of Indian music, whose melodies transcended generations. I recall my various interactions with him over the years.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 26, 2024
His departure leaves… pic.twitter.com/5xL6Y3Sv75
Celebrities like Sonu Nigam, Madhuri Dixit, Anu Malik, Manoj Bajpayee, Sushmita Sen, Udit Narayan, and Kajol among others also paid their tributes.