For over four decades, Pankaj Udhas occupied the limelight as one of the most popular ghazal singers in the country. Beginning his career when the 1980s ghazal wave commenced, he created an impact with simple and melodious songs.
The legendary singer passed away on February 26 (Monday) battling a prolonged illness. He was 72.
Seniors Today had carried this article by Narendra Kusnur on his 71st birthday where we selected 10 of his hits, rounding off by the end of the 1990s. The last two are popular film songs, and the others are from his private albums. This list is in no particular order.
Chandi Jaisa Rang
One of Udhas’s most popular songs at concerts, it has the lines, “Chandi jaisa rang hai tera, sone jaise baal, ek tu hi dhanwan hai gori, baaki sab kangaal”. While these lines were written by Qateel Shifai, the other shers were written specially for the song by Mumtaz Rashid. The process is known as ‘tazmeen’. The song was first performed at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 1984.
Ghungroo Toot Gaye
Another concert favourite, it was penned by Qateel Shifai. The opening lines were, “Mohe aayi na jag se laaj, main itna zor se naachi aaj, ki ghungroo toot gaye”. Though Udhas’s version remains hugely popular, the song has also been performed by Anup Jalota and Abida Parveen, besides being adapted by Vishal-Shekhar in the 2019 film War.
Aap Jinke Kareeb Hote Hain
The song creates an impact with its sheer simplicity and short meter structure. The lyrics, by Nooh Narvi, begin, “Aap jinke kareeb hote hain, woh bade khushnaseeb hote hain”. One of the shers is, “Mujhse milna phir aap ka milna, aap kisko naseeb hote hain”. This is from the 1984 album Tarannum.
Deewaron Se Milkar Rona
The song touches an emotional chord with Udhas singing, “Deewaron se milkar rona achcha lagta hai, hum bhi paagal ho jaayenge, aisa lagta hai”. Lyrics are by Qaisar-ul-Jafri. The song was used in the 1981 album Mu-Kar-Rar.
Jheel Mein Chaand
Poet Mumtaz Rashid, who passed away last month, wrote this gem, also from the album Mu-Kar-Rar. The lines are, “Jheel mein chaand nazar aayi thi hasrat uski, kabse aankhon mein liye baitha hoon soorat uski”. Whenever Udhas performs it live, a sense of melancholy fills the air.
Niklo Na BenaqabÂ
Also written by Mumtaz Rashid, this was used in the 1985 album Nayaab Vol 1. The main lines are, “Niklo na benaqab zamana kharaab hai, aur uspe yeh shabab zamana kharab hai”. After lockdown, people aired videos using the first line as a message encouraging people to wear masks.
Ek Taraf Uska Ghar
Some of Udhas’s songs revolve around the theme of intoxication, making them very popular among those who love a drink or two. This one by Zafar Gorakhpuri talks of a person’s dilemma. The main lines are, “Ae hamein zindagi kuchh toh de mashwara, ek taraf uska ghar, ek taraf maikada”.
Aur Ahista Keejiye Baatein
Zafar Gorakhpuri’s free verse is expressed beautifully by Udhas, with flute, female back-up vocals and keyboards playing at appropriate moments. The video of this song, featuring Sameera Reddy, was a success in its time.
Jiye To Jiye Kaise
This song has four versions in the 1991 film Saajan, with Udhas appearing as himself and singing one. Music is by Nadeem-Shravan, with Sameer writing, “Jiye toh jiye kaise, bin aapke, lagta nahin dil kahin, bin aapke”. Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit also appeared on screen.
Chitthi Aayee Hai
A must at every Udhas show, this song has retained its popularity 36 years after the film Naam was released. Music is by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, with Anand Bakshi writing about the emotions of a person staying away from home. Udhas is shown singing the song at a concert with Sanjay Dutt and Amrita Singh in the audience.
Though this selection sticks to the 1980s and 1990s, there has been some fantastic music he’s released over the past two decades. Meriting special mention are Dasthakhat, a collection of Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s works, and his album Nayaab Lamhe with poet Gulzar. Udhas still attracts packed halls, and his shows are filled with nostalgia.
