February 26 proved to be a dismal day for the entire music industry, as it lost one of its most treasured ghazal-playback singers. The veteran singer and Padm Shri awardee Pankaj Udhas breathed his last on Monday morning. He was suffering from a prolonged illness and was hospitalised at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital for a while.

The family of the late music maestro shared in a statement on Instagram, "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."

The news brought a wave of shock to the fans who poured condolences on the web.

Singer Sonu Nigam shared a heart-felt message on social media, "One of the most important parts of my childhood, is lost today. Shri Pankaj Udhas ji, I will miss you forever. My heart cries knowing that you are no more..."

Lending his soulful voice to innumerable ghazals, Pankaj Udhas was known for hit compositions like 'Chitthi Aayee Hai', 'Na Kajare Ki Dhar', 'Jeeye Toh Jeeye Kaise', 'Chandi Jaisa Rang', among others. The celebrated singer won innumerable accolades in his life-time. His works in Hindi Cinema and contributions to Indian Pop are noteworthy.

"We mourn the loss of Pankaj Udhas Ji, whose singing conveyed a range of emotions and whose Ghazals spoke directly to the soul. He was a beacon of Indian music, whose melodies transcended generations. I recall my various interactions with him over the years. His departure leaves a void in the music world that can never be filled..." PM Narendra Modi shared.

The last rites of the singer will be performed on Tuesday.