On the 73rd birth anniversary of the legendary Pankaj Udhas (17 May 1951 – 25 February 2024), fans across the globe fondly remember the man whose velvet voice turned ghazals into soulful masterpieces. While his music etched itself into the hearts of millions, Udhas’s personal life had its own cinematic twists — from marrying across faith lines to facing death threats from a fan demanding one more song.

Let’s revisit some fascinating chapters of Pankaj Udhas’s life on this special occasion.

The Love Story That Faced Resistance

Born in a Hindu Gujarati family in Jetpur, Gujarat, Pankaj Udhas was a man of melody from a young age. His family later shifted to Mumbai, where he completed his education at St. Xavier's College. From singing "Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon" at a college function to becoming the voice behind evergreen hits like Chitthi Aayi Hai, Udhas’s journey was filled with dedication and grace.

But his love story was no less than a Bollywood script.

Udhas fell in love with Farida, a Muslim air hostess, during a wedding they both attended. Their relationship blossomed quietly, but when it came time to take the next step, Farida's family was not in favor of the interfaith union. Despite the opposition, Pankaj Udhas remained steadfast and respectful. Over time, he won over Farida’s father and the couple got married on 11 February 1982.

Their union, which was once seen as controversial, blossomed into a loving family with two daughters, Nayab and Riva Udhas.

The Night a Fan Pointed a Gun at Him

Success came with its own set of bizarre moments. In one such incident that Pankaj Udhas recounted in an interview, he revealed how a fan pulled a gun on him during a live show. After performing 4–5 ghazals on stage, Udhas wanted to wrap up. But one persistent fan insisted on hearing more.

When Udhas politely refused, the man pulled out a gun and pointed it at him, saying he would shoot if the singer didn't comply. Rather than panic or escalate the situation, Udhas calmly sang the requested ghazal, potentially saving his life and ensuring the safety of the audience. This chilling story is a reminder of the overwhelming passion — sometimes dangerously so — that Udhas’s music evoked.

An Unforgettable Musical Legacy

Pankaj Udhas carved a unique niche in Indian music, bringing ghazals into the mainstream with his soulful voice and emotive storytelling. He wasn’t just a singer — he was a messenger of emotions, whether singing about heartbreak, patriotism, or divine longing.

Here are some of his most iconic songs and ghazals:

• 🎵 Chitthi Aayi Hai – A heartfelt letter from home that touched every NRI's soul.
• 🎵 Na Kajre Ki Dhar – A timeless romantic ballad.
• 🎵 Chaandi Jaisa Rang Hai Tera
• 🎵 Aahista
• 🎵 Aaj Phir Tumpe Pyar Aaya Hai
• 🎵 Thodi Thodi Piya Karo
• 🎵 Yun Mere Khat Ka Jawab Aaya
• 🎵 Maikhane Se Sharab Se

These songs, and many more, made Udhas a household name, a staple of music collections, and a fixture in live concerts across India and abroad.

A Final Goodbye

Pankaj Udhas passed away on 25 February 2024, at the age of 72 in Mumbai. His death marked the end of an era, but his voice continues to live on in recordings, memories, and hearts.