By Dr T. Selva

In music, where emotions dance freely, a voice resides, now stilled yet eternally engraved within the souls of Ghazal lovers.

Pankaj Udhas, the Ghazal maestro, the soulful voice that soothed broken hearts, left a void on February 26 after battling a prolonged illness in Mumbai.

With each verse he sang, a tale of love and healing unfurled, captivating people worldwide.
Udhas’s voice, a vessel overflowing with passion and grace, touched the hearts of every listener.

He may not know me personally, but he knows my unwavering devotion as his Ghazal admirer.

Although I don’t comprehend Hindi, his soul-stirring voice captivated me, prompting me to embark on journeys to attend his live shows in India.

When I watched his live performance for the first time on January 6, 2017, in Delhi, I was impressed by his ability to weave poetry into melodies seamlessly.

From “Chitthi Aayi Hai” to “Chand Sa Roshan Chehra,” his songs vividly depicted emotions, leaving a lasting impression.

With each rendition, he reached deep into the compassion, leaving behind a timeless legacy that celebrated the essence of his music.

After attending my inaugural concert, I resolved to participate in all of his performances at least once per year without fail.

Due to the emotional bond I share with him, I make it a ritual to play his songs upon waking up every morning. They provide solace and instill hope, guiding me through the start of each day.

After announcing his concert in Delhi the following year, I eagerly secured a VIP ticket. However, to my dismay, the show was later cancelled.

Promptly, I emailed the organiser expressing my disappointment and informing them of my pre-booked flight from Kuala Lumpur to Delhi and accommodation arrangements.

Days later, I received an email stating that the show had been reinstated and would proceed as planned.

When his concert was announced again for November 5th, 2022, I swiftly secured the first diamond category ticket as a devoted fan.

However, upon journeying to Mumbai for the event, I was disheartened to discover its abrupt cancellation without explanation.

My most recent encounter with Udhas was at his live performance on July 9, 2023, in Chennai.
The memory of him, elegantly attired and accompanied by a harmonium, lingers vividly in my heart and mind.

That evening, he was well-groomed with his stylishly coiffed hair, which complemented his overall black traditional outfit.

Despite his evident illness, Udhas persisted in delivering his performance, softly whispering into the microphone with occasional coughing spells and drinking water frequently. It was apparent that he was not in his usual prime form.

Following the show’s conclusion, he was swiftly escorted into a waiting car and departed the venue. However, in a moment of gratitude, he paused to acknowledge me with a wave before leaving.

I mourn his loss deeply because he was special. Udhas’ ghazal songs are renowned for their emotive depth, rich poetic lyrics, and soulful rendition.

His distinctive voice and masterful command of the art of ghazal singing evoke an overwhelming sense of nostalgia and longing in listeners.

Udhas can remarkably convey the intricate nuances of love, pain, and longing through his music, captivating audiences with his heartfelt performances.

Additionally, his seamless blend of traditional ghazal melodies with contemporary arrangements adds a unique charm to his compositions, further distinguishing him as a luminary in the world of ghazal music.

Though he may have bid farewell to this mortal plane, his melodies linger on; they reign in my heart and other ghazal lovers.

Udhas is a legend in his own right and his music continues to illuminate the darkest night.

(Dr T. Selva is a writer of the bestseller book Vasthu Sastra Guide.)