Pankaj Udhas is the other name of the melancholy and beautiful word ‘Gazal’. He passed away after a prolonged illness on 26th February 2024, but his legacy of melodic songs, romantic lines, and the music that healed so many broken hearts- will forever remain with us. He was a Gazal singer whose songs are searched on YouTube by today’s Gen Zs but were also heard on radio sets at 2 am by the 90s kids or even the older generations. His voice has always been a part of famous Bollywood movies like Naam, Sajan, and many hit albums as well. He wasn’t just a great singer, but also known as a great human being- he started Khazana Artist Aloud Talent Hunt- a part of Khazana, an initiative to raise funds for children and people suffering from thalassemia. Be it a gazal or a non-gazal song- you know that his voice and lyrics will take you on an emotional journey and heal you. While he may not be here with us, his songs will always keep him alive in our hearts. On that note, let’s check out the 10 best ghazals of Pankaj Udhas.
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1. Chitthi Aayi Hai; Naam (1986)
This is a timeless piece of songs from Sanjay Dutt’s superhit movie- Naam. This song is about love, longing, and the importance of communication—a forever favorite song.
2. Niklo Na Benaqab
One-sided love or crush and feelings of excitement mixed with fear- that feeling is what this song talks about. The hidden love is beautiful and incomparable. It talks about the desire to make your hidden love a reality one day.
3. Aahista Kijiye Baatein
Pankaj Udhas’ songs describe love and longing like no new age singers (that is true!). There are no doubt many beautiful songs, but hear this song once and you’ll know what I am talking about.
4. Chandi Jaisa Rang
A sweet song about first love- this song describes the knowing feeling of love and attraction for the first time. The innocence, and excitement of sharing your dreams and hopes with someone in your life will give you butterflies!
5. Sach Bolta Hoon Main
Alcohol sometimes brings out the real and raw emotions hidden inside you- this song tells you exactly that. The more you listen to it, the more you will get intoxicated with it and speak the truth!
6. Jeeyein toh Jeeyein Kaise; Sajan (1991)
This song from Sanjay Dutt’s movie Sajan became an anthem of heartbreak then. The lyrics talk about the gut-wrenching pain of heartbreak and the difficulty of moving on from it.
7. Na Kajre ki Dhaar; Mohra(1994)
A playful song about first love, used in Suniel Shetty’s hit movie Mohra- this song is still as iconic as it was two decades ago. The song was picturized by Suniel Shetty and Pankaj Jhawer and became an instant fan favorite.
8. Aaj Phir Tum Pe; Dayavan(1988)
It’s a song about falling in love not just once but over and over again with the same person. This song is still so popular and it even has a remake version of it. But the original is still a masterpiece.
9. Main Deewana Hoon Mujhe; Yeh Dillagi (1994)
This song from the movie Yeh Dillagi starring Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, and Kajol is about falling in love and then knowing that you were being deceived.
10. Mai Nashe Mein Hoon
The famous lines from this gazal-‘yaaron, mujhe maaf karo, main nashe mein hoon’, will give you a hint when to hear this song! This song is loved by generations and many more generations will keep falling in love with it.
I know that these 10 best Ghazals of Pankaj Udhas are not enough to talk about the legacy of Pankaj Udhas, so tell us in the comments which more songs you like and if they have a story of your life to tell too.