The man behind the song, Pankaj Udhas, brought Ghazal to the masses, popularising it and making it accessible to the multitude not only in his country India but also across the globe with his calm and controlled voice that won everybody’s hearts.

Renowned ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, whose velvet smooth voice gave expression to the many colours of love, longing and heartache in songs such as “Chitthi Ayee Hai” and “Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein”, died in Mumbai on Monday after a prolonged illness. He was laid to rest by his family and friends on Tuesday afternoon.

Music legend and Padmashri winner Pankaj Udhas took his last breath today. The veteran ghazal singer, who was known for his ghazals like “Chitti Ayi Hai” and “Chandi Jai Rang”, passed away at age 73 due to prolonged illness, as conveyed by his daughter Nayaab Udhas.