QUEEN’S ROAD: Pankaj Udhas’ velvet voice has been a part of the Indian music scape for a long time. He started his career with a ghazal album titled Aahat in 1980 and subsequently recorded many hits like Mukarrar in 1981, Tarrannum in 1982, Mehfil in 1983, Nayaab in 1985 and Aafreen in 1986.
He has also sung for many memorable Hindi film songs including the wrenching NRI wail, Chitthi Aayi Hai in Mahesh Bhatt’s 1986 hit Naam. In 1990, he sang Mahiya Teri Kasam, a duet with Lata Mangeshkar, for the Rajkumar Santoshi cult hit, Ghayal. In 1994, he belted out another hit Na Kajre Ki Dhar in Rajeev Rai’s Mohra. Then came songs in Saajan, Yeh Dillagi, and Phir Teri Kahaani Yaad Aayee.
His album Shagufta (in 1987) was the first to be released on compact disc in India.Later, Udhas also started a talent hunt television programme called Aadab Aarz Hai on Sony Entertainment Television.
He has also travelled the world with his music and in 2006, was awarded the coveted Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award.
Pankaj Udhas’ older brother, Manhar, was a stage performer and this aided Pankaj in his introduction to the musical scene. His first stage performance was during the Sino-Indian War, when he sang “Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo” and was given Rs 51 by an audience member as a reward.
Four years later he joined the Sangeet Natya Akademi in Rajkot and learned the nuances of tabla. After that, he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Mumbai and started training in Indian classical vocal music under the tutelage of Master Navrang. Udhas’s first song was in the film Kamna. It was a solo composed by Usha Khanna and written by Naqsh Lyallpuri. Subsequently, Udhas learnt Urdu and spent 10 months in Canada and the US performing at ghazal concerts.
He has so far released more than 50 albums and hundreds of compilation albums.
He will be in the city on Friday to weave his magic and sing some of his most popular ghazals and songs .
This concert is significant also because it is a fundraising initiative for the relief and rehabilitation of the Nepal earthquake victims and the proceeds of the charity concert will be donated to Oxfam India (Charity Partner).
Venue: Phoenix Marketcity, Whitefield Main Road.
Date: Friday, June 19
Time: 7 pm onwards
Tickets: Rs 1500 and Rs 2500 per person
Available at: Bookmyshow.com and www.indianstage.in
Contact: Amitabh Dutta: 9742488242