Pankaj Udhas, a name synonymous with the revival of ghazal in contemporary Indian music, left the world on February 26, after a long battle with illness, in Mumbai at the age of 72. The approach of Pankaj Udhas to ghazals was innovative; he ventured beyond the traditional confines of the genre, making it more accessible and relatable to a wider audience. Among many contributions of Pankaj Udhas to music, the song “Chitthi Aayi Hai” holds a special place. Despite criticisms for allegedly glorifying alcohol through his music, Udhas maintained that these were symbolic of the intoxicating nature of divine love, a common theme in Sufi poetry. Pankaj Udhas’s legacy is not just in the melodies he left behind but in the way he transformed ghazal, making it a living, breathing part of India’s musical landscape.

Source: The Telegraph February 27, 2024 08:10 UTC