Mumbai, Feb. 27 -- Veteran ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas - whose ghazals dwelt upon love, sharab and intoxication and who had mesmerised people across the country through his iconic songs like "Chitthi Aayee Hain", "Ek Taraf Uska Ghar", "Thodi Thodi Piya Karo," and "Chandi Jaisa Rang hai tera, sone jaise bal" - died here on Monday, after prolonged illness.

Udhas, who was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago and had isolated himself since then, breathed his last at Breach Candy Hospital in south Mumbai at 11 am. He was 72.

"With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on February 26 due to a prolonged illness," Udhas' family said in a statement issued here. Udhas' daughter Nayaab also ...