I love coming here: Pankaj Udhas

Over the years, he has recorded several albums, sung numerous film songs, and performed live across the globe. In 2006, he was honoured with India’s fourth highest civilian award, the Padma Shri. But for Pankaj Udhas, Hyderabad will always hold a special place in his heart. For it was here, in this city, that he first had an epiphany about fulfilling his dream of becoming a professional singer.

“It was way back in 1978 and I was singing at a private audio function. I had sung until 4 am and a friend of mine was driving me back to the hotel after my performance. On our way, we heard the Aazaan (the call for the first morning prayer) and my friend looked at me and said I would definitely make it because ‘the Gods were with me’,” he recalls with a smile.

In the city to perform at a music festival, the ghazal maestro further shares, “I’ve been coming to Hyderabad for many years and have performed at venues across the city. I feel fortunate to have sung at Taramati Baradari this time. It’s a unique place with a rich history.”

Speaking about his song line-up at the event, Pankaj adds, “I released my album Sentimental two months ago and one of the songs called 'Maai' (mother) is very popular, so I sang it along with two other songs from the album. Of course, like every show of mine, I included some of my old favourites "Chitthi Aayi Hai" and "Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein", which were requested by the audience as well.”

Pankaj also speaks highly of his contemporary Talat Aziz, who is from the city. “Talat is a dear friend and I look up to Pandit Vithal Rao, who was once at the forefront of ghazal singing in the country and hails from the city,” he says.

With two projects in the pipeline, the Padma Shri awardee will be busy in the coming months. “I had begun working on a fusion project with Ananda Shankar but unfortunately, he passed away a few years back. I’m planning to complete it and release the album by next year. I am also working on my next album,” he shares.

Lamenting his short trip this time, Udhas says, “I love coming here but unfortunately, I have come for just for a day and have to leave for a show in Siliguri.”