Mumbai, July 23: Renowned singer Sonu Nigam paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary ghazal artist Pankaj Udhas. He expressed that Udhas played a crucial role in helping him appreciate the beauty of ghazal music.
In a conversation with the media, Sonu Nigam shared, “When I first began to understand ghazal music, Pankaj Udhas was one of the early artists who introduced me to this genre. I have performed many of his popular ghazals on stage, which allowed me to delve into the depth and emotions of this beautiful musical form.”
Sonu further stated, “In the 1980s, I learned the nuances of ghazal and bhajan from artists like Pankaj Udhas and Anup Jalota. I have always admired Pankaj ji, and he showered me with love in return. We shared a relationship of mutual respect. His untimely departure left everyone saddened. It has been 25 years since the ‘Khazana’ ghazal festival began, and it is my duty to contribute, even in a small way, to carry forward his legacy. That’s why I am here.”
It is noteworthy that Pankaj Udhas passed away on February 26, 2024, at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness. His fans bid him farewell with heavy hearts.
Additionally, Sonu Nigam shared his thoughts on the changing musical preferences of the youth. He remarked, “It is not entirely accurate to say that today’s generation only enjoys rap, foreign music, or songs related to social media. Every genre of music has its audience, and the popularity of any musical style depends on how easily it reaches people.”
He added that popular music tends to attract more listeners because it is easier to understand and connects quickly. In contrast, genres like ghazal and classical music require a bit more patience to appreciate. Traditional music always retains its unique identity and significance.
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