Pankaj Udhas Essentials

When Bollywood directors began incorporating ghazals into films in a big way in the ’90s, Pankaj Udhas was among the leading singers—often the man behind songs about mental anguish and heartbreak, as well as blossoming love. But even before that, Udhas’ work on tear-jerker “Chitthi Aai Hai” for the 1986 movie Naam had earned him a legendary spot in Indian music history. His earthen, classically trained vocals have found favour with composers such as Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Bappi Lahiri and more heavy hitters, and confirmed Udhas as a voice for all seasons.