New York, Feb. 27 -- Celebrated ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, whose velvet smooth voice gave expression to the many colors of love, longing, and heartache in songs such as "Chitthi Ayee Hai" and "Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein", died on February 26 after a prolonged illness. He was 72.

Udhas, who also made a mark as a playback singer in many Hindi films, including Dayavan, Naam, Saajan, and Mohra, died around 11 am at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.

"With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on 26th February 2024 due to a prolonged illness," his daughter Nayaab wrote in an Instagram post.

"This is not only a personal loss, but the whole nation has lost a prolific singer and a great...