Singer Sonu Nigam paid a moving tribute to the late Pankaj Udhas, the legendary ghazal maestro, recalling how the veteran artist's melodies served as his gateway into the world of ghazals. Speaking at an event in Mumbai on 23 July, Nigam credited Udhas among the foundational influences that shaped his musical sensibility.

How Pankaj Udhas Shaped Sonu Nigam's Musical Journey

Nigam revealed that when he first developed an interest in ghazals, Pankaj Udhas was one of the first names that came to mind. He said he had performed many of Udhas' popular ghazals on stage, which deepened his connection with the genre's beauty and emotional depth.

In his own words, Nigam said: 'I never want to forget my roots in life. And I know that when I first got interested in ghazals, Pankaj ji was one of the first names that came to mind. I have sung his ghazals on stage many times because they were extremely popular. That's how I got my first understanding of Ghazals.'

A Bond Built on Mutual Respect

Nigam also recalled learning the nuances of both ghazals and bhajans from Pankaj Udhas and Anup Jalota, two prominent voices of the 1980s. He spoke warmly of his personal bond with Udhas, describing it as one of deep mutual affection.

'Initially, when Pankaj ji and Anup ji came into prominence in the 1980s, I learned a little bit about Bhajans and Ghazals from them. I loved Pankaj ji a lot, and he loved me a lot too. We had a lot of mutual respect. He left us too early, leaving all of us in grief,' Nigam said.

Carrying Forward the Khazana Legacy

Pankaj Udhas passed away on 26 February 2024 at the age of 72, following a prolonged illness. His daughter Nayaab announced his passing on social media, stating: 'With a 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.'

Nigam noted that it has been 25 years since Udhas launched Khazana, the celebrated ghazal festival, and expressed his commitment to keeping that legacy alive. 'It is my duty to play a small part in carrying forward his legacy. That's why I am here,' he added.

On Changing Music Tastes Among the Youth

Addressing the perception that younger listeners are gravitating toward rap, international music, and social media-driven trends, Nigam offered a measured perspective. He argued that every genre has its own audience, and that popularity is largely a function of accessibility and ease of understanding.

Using the analogy of a pyramid, Nigam explained that commercial music and rap occupy the broader base because they appeal to a wider cross-section of listeners, while more complex and traditional forms such as ghazals require deeper appreciation. He maintained that the audience for classical and semi-classical forms, though smaller, remains devoted and enduring.