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Pankaj Udhas is a name that resonates with the lovers of Ghazals not just in India but across the globe. He is considered to be one of the most accomplished and popular Ghazal singers of all time. Born on 17 April 1951 in Savarkundla in Gujarat, Pankaj belongs to a family of Zamindars near Rajkot in Gujarat. He was introduced to music at a very young age by his elder brother Manhar Udhas, who was a stage performer. Pankaj gave his first stage performance when he was just 5 years old, during the Indo – Chinese war in 1962, where he sang the song ‘Ae Mere Watan ke Logon’. The performance was so impressive that someone from the audience gave him 51 rupees for his sheer talent.
Source: Deccan Herald
Class of ISC in 1973 poses for the camera at the then Jubilee House at Dr. Graham’s Homes in Kalimpong. The Homes were established as a vocational training school where abandoned children were relocated to British colonies such as New Zealand, Australia, and Canada, where they could establish themselves with the job skills, learned in Kalimpong.
Despite his early interest in music, Pankaj gave priority to his studies and went to Mumbai to complete his graduation. During this time, he was a popular face in inter-college singing programs. Initially, he tried his luck in Bollywood, but due to the dominance of singers like Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Mukesh, etc., he found no opportunities. It was then that he discovered the voices of famous Ghazal singers Mehndi Hasan and Begum Akhtar, and he was instantly drawn towards Ghazals. He learned Urdu to better understand the poetic verses of the Ghazals and started performing at various shows.
Source: Scroll.in
Mesmerizing the audience with his mellifluous voice, Pankaj Udhas delivers a spellbinding performance at his ghazal concert. The passionate poetry of his lyrics and the soulful strains of his music create an unforgettable ambiance, captivating the hearts of all who attend. A night to remember for fans of ghazal music.
After his initial struggling period in ghazal music for 4 years, he shifted to Canada and did a few shows over there. Luckily, he received a great response from the audiences in Canada, after which he came back to India and released his Ghazal debut album called ‘Aahat’ in 1980. His style of singing and the unique way in which he rendered the Urdu verses of poets set to music, quickly gained him a mass following across India. Along with other musicians like Jagjit Singh and Talat Aziz, he is credited with bringing this unique singing style to the mass audience across the country.
Source: 123sold
“Chitthi Ayi Hai” Live Vinyl LP Record… this vintage gem captures the essence of the legendary singer’s performance, transporting you to a world of enchanting ghazals and timeless classics. A must-have for any connoisseur of Indian music.
In 1986, Pankaj Udhas featured in the song ‘Chitthi Aayi Hai’ from the film ‘Naam’, which was a huge hit and is still counted among his best songs. He also started a talent show ‘Aadab Arz Hai’ on Sony TV to find new Ghazal Talent. Pankaj Udhas is not just a celebrated Ghazal singer, but also an active social worker who has raised funds for various organizations like Cancer Patients Aid Society, Parents Thalassemia Unit, Spastic Society of India, and MIND.
In recognition of his contribution to Indian music, Pankaj Udhas was awarded the Padma Shri, a Government of India civilian award, in 2006. Even today, his music continues to touch the hearts of millions of people, making him an icon of Ghazal music. Pankaj Udhas has not only brought Ghazals to the masses but has also kept the genre alive and relevant through his music, making him a true legend of Indian music.
Source: Thrillophilia
Cascading slopes adorned with emerald green tea bushes, the picturesque Darjeeling Tea Gardens offer a mesmerizing sight. The undulating landscape, kissed by mist and bathed in golden sunlight, unveils a serene sanctuary of tranquility. Here, the art of tea cultivation intertwines with nature, creating a breathtaking vista for all to behold.
Back in 2016, Pankaj Udhas, was surrounded by fans during his family vacation in the picturesque hill destination of Darjeeling. This shows how well loved he was throughout the nation.
Source: Tusk Travel
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, affectionately known as the “Toy Train,” weaves its way through the breathtaking landscapes of the Darjeeling hills. The ride offers a remarkable journey, passing by tea gardens, misty mountains, and charming villages. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a testament to engineering marvel and a nostalgic symbol of the region’s rich history.
Darjeeling, a former summer capital under the British Raj, is now one of India’s top hill stations. The West Bengal destination is perfect for a romantic honeymoon, thanks to its cool climate and stunning views of the Kanchenjunga peak, the highest in India. Visitors can enjoy a ride on the UNESCO World Heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which offers breathtaking views of the mountains. Darjeeling is also famous for its tea plantations, which produce the world-renowned “Darjeeling Tea.” Must-visit attractions include monasteries, botanical gardens, the Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway cable car, and Tiger Hill, which offers unparalleled sunrise views over the mountains.
