Sunday evening saw Mumbai come together in an emotional tribute to legendary ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas on his 75th birth anniversary with the inauguration of “Padma Bhushan Pankaj Udhas Chowk” at Peddar Road. The ceremony, attended by eminent musicians, civic officials, family members and admirers, celebrated the singer’s unparalleled contribution to Indian music and his enduring humanitarian legacy.The chowk was inaugurated by Cabinet Minister, Government of Maharashtra, Mangal Prabhat Lodha in the presence of celebrities and musicians. Present were Hariharan, Sonu Nigam, Suresh Wadkar, Udit Narayan, Salim Merchant, Papon, Kavita Seth, Jaspinder Narula, Hashdeep Kaur, Sudeep Banerji, Ojas Adhiya, Prithvi Gandharv, Meenal Jain, Deepak Pandit, among others. The inauguration marked a cultural milestone for the city, honouring the singer who helped take ghazals from intimate mehfils to global audiences over a career spanning more than four decades.
(L-R) Nayaab Udhas, Farida Udhas and Reva Udhas
Hariharan, Salim Merchant and Ojas Adhiya
Sonu Nigam
Suresh Wadkar
Jaspinder Narula
Udit Narayan
Harshdeep Kaur
Sudeep Banerji
Juhi Babbar Soni and Anup Soni
Post the inauguration, celebrities, friends and family gathered at his residence for a musical tribute where singers Suresh Wadkar, Udit Narayan, Jaspinder Narula, Harshdeep Kaur, Sudeep Banerji, Meenal Jain and Prithvi Gandharv performed some memorable songs. The evening concluded with Sonu Nigam singing Niklo Na Benaqab, followed by Sonu and Udit leading a heartfelt rendition of the “Happy Birthday” song in his memory. CM’S TRIBUTE TO THE MUSICAL ICONA special message from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was read out during the ceremony. In his tribute, the CM said Maharashtra was proud that a prominent Mumbai chowk had been named after the legendary singer whose “melodious, sensitive and distinctive voice” enriched Indian music. He noted that Pankaj Udhas played a pivotal role in giving ghazal singing a unique identity and global recognition, while songs such as Chitthi Aayi Hai continue to resonate across generations. He also highlighted the singer’s humanitarian contributions through the Cancer Patients Aid Association, his charitable album Nabeel, and decades-long work for children suffering from cancer and thalassemia. The CM further recalled that the Government of India honoured the singer with the Padma Shri in 2006 and the Padma Bhushan in 2025 for his contribution to music and society, calling the naming of the chowk a “fitting tribute” that would inspire future generations.Speaking at the event, Lodha said, “Today is Pankaj Udhas ji’s birthday, and he lived in this area his entire life. His family wanted this and under the guidance of the CM Devendra Fadnavis, the municipality approved it. This is a tribute to an artist who remained deeply connected to Mumbai throughout his life.”FAMILY REMEMBERS THE MAN BEYOND THE LEGENDThe ceremony turned deeply emotional as Pankaj Udhas’ family members remembered the singer not only as an icon, but as a father, husband and friend. Daughter Nayaab Udhas fought back tears as she spoke about her father’s lifelong bond with Mumbai and his humanitarian work. “My father’s entire life was spent in Mumbai, so I think this was a give back to him. He was not just my father, but he was my best friend, critic, guide and everything,” she said. Remembering his charitable initiatives, she added, “His entire life, he worked for children suffering from cancer and thalassemia. Through ‘Khazana – A Festival of Ghazals’ and many other programmes, he raised funds for both causes for nearly 45 years.”Reva Udhas thanked the Maharashtra government and civic authorities for commemorating the singer at such a prominent landmark. “This occasion is not only for one day, but forever. It is a very prime spot. I think his contribution deserves to be etched in stone,” she said.Their mother, Farida Udhas described the inauguration as a proud and emotional moment for the family. “Pankaj had the rare gift of breathing life into everything his voice and soul touched. On his 75th Jayanti, we are deeply proud to see the inauguration of Padma Bhushan Pankaj Udhas Chowk in the midst of family and friends in the very neighbourhood he called home, a city he cherished, now adorned with his eternal legacy,” she said. SONU NIGAM: ‘A RARE COMBINATION’Remembering the singer fondly, Sonu Nigam called Pankaj Udhas a rare blend of artistic brilliance and humility. “Pankaj ji was a very good person. Sometimes it happens that you are a great artist, but to also be such a wonderful human being is a rare combination,” he said. Nigam also recalled growing up listening to the ghazal legend’s music. “Pankaj ji was a part of my growing up years. I would listen to his songs and I knew not just his ghazals but every musical note in them by heart. I was sad when he departed, and I feel nice to see a chowk coming up to keep his legacy alive,” he added.HARIHARAN CALLS IT A ‘WONDERFUL TRIBUTE’Hariharan described the inauguration as a meaningful honour for one of India’s most beloved artistes. “It is Pankaj Udhas Ji’s birthday today, and I would like to wish him a happy birthday. The inauguration of this chowk is a truly wonderful tribute. I am extremely happy that Pankaj Udhas Ji will now be remembered in such a meaningful way,” he said.Calling him “one of the most charismatic artists of our times,” Hariharan added, “He had an extraordinary following and brought immense happiness to people across generations. I am grateful to everyone who thought of honouring him and giving him this special pedestal.” SALIM MERCHANT ON REVIVING GHAZALS FOR THE MASSESSalim Merchant said Pankaj Udhas played a crucial role in keeping ghazals connected with mainstream audiences. “Pankaj Ji’s contribution to music is so immense. At a time when ghazal was losing its grip on the masses, he brought tunes and compositions that worked like magic with masses,” he said. “We have all grown up listening to Pankaj Udhas’ distinctive music and it has had an influence on all of us. Today’s inauguration of the chowk is not only an honour for him and his family but his entire fandom and the music fraternity with whom he shared a very close-knit bond,” Merchant added.MUSIC FRATERNITY RECALLS HIS WARMTH AND LEGACYLegendary singer Suresh Wadkar paid an emotional tribute to Pankaj Udhas, remembering him as both an extraordinary artiste and a deeply affectionate friend. “Pankaj ji ko aur unki yaadon ke charano mein mera sashtang dandwat hai. Ek itne mayanaaz kalakaar aur bahut hi pyaara bhai — yeh combination bahut kam dekhne ko milta hai,” he said. Recalling their bond, Wadkar added, “We did not meet very often, but whenever we did, there was so much warmth and affection from him that none of us can ever forget. He was a dear friend to everyone. Main apni puri shradhhanjali unki charano mein arpit karta hoon.”Udit Narayan remembered the singer as a warm-hearted mentor with a unique musical identity. “Hum mana rahe hain Pankaj bhai ko. Hum sab unko miss karte hain aur karte rahenge,” he said. “As a singer, unki apni pehchaan thi — individual awaaz, apna style, aur bade khushmizaaz insaan they.” Recalling a cherished memory, he shared, “I consider myself very lucky that someone loved by everyone also loved me. He had once called me after Pehla Nasha and said, ‘Udit, bahut accha gaya hai tumne.’ He treated me like a younger brother. Unki gayaki hamare dil-o-dimaag mein hamesha rahegi.”Singer Harshdeep Kaur said the occasion was both emotional and celebratory. “It is special celebrating Pankaj ji’s 75th birthday. We have all grown up listening to his music and he played such a huge role in shaping the world of ghazals and melody,” she said, adding that daughter Nayaab Udhas is carrying forward his legacy beautifully.Jaspinder Narula recalled first hearing Pankaj Udhas perform as a teenager. “I was only 13 when I first heard him at a mehfil organised by my Mamaji. Pankaj bhaiya had just begun his career then, and we were all mesmerised by this handsome young singer,” she said. “The moment I heard him sing, I knew he would reach the very top — and he did.”Singer Papon admitted the occasion felt surreal. “It doesn’t feel like he has passed away. Today, I felt that he was here,” he said, recalling how the late singer encouraged younger artistes and invited him to perform at the Khazana festival.Composer Hridaynath Mangeshkar’s son Adinath Mangeshkar remembered the decades-long bond between the Udhas and Mangeshkar families. “My first ever photograph is with my aunt Lata Mangeshkar holding me alongside Pankaj ji,” he shared. “I do not recall a single Ganesh festival without him coming over with family.”Actor Anup Soni called the memorial a fitting tribute. “It is very important for the country to remember such artists. Whenever I heard his music, it felt special. I am very happy that he is remembered like this,” he said.A Digital Tribute To A Timeless VoiceA unique feature of the newly inaugurated chowk is a special mural carrying a QR code that allows visitors to explore Pankaj Udhas’ musical journey, achievements and rare archival content through a dedicated digital portal — creating a bridge between his legacy and future generations.Born in Jetpur, Gujarat, on May 17, 1951, Pankaj Udhas recorded over 50 albums and rendered more than 1,000 songs during a distinguished career spanning 45 years. From Aahat and Mukarar to timeless tracks such as Chandani Raat Mein, Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein and Thodi Thodi Piya Karo, his music continues to remain etched in public memory.
