Mumbai Honours Ghazal Legend Pankaj Udhas With ‘Padma Bhushan Pankaj Udhas Chowk’ On His 75th Birth Anniversary

Mumbai paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas with the official inauguration of Padma Bhushan Pankaj Udhas Chowk at Peddar Road on May 17, 2026. The emotional ceremony marked what would have been the iconic singer’s 75th birth anniversary and celebrated his timeless contribution to Indian music. Fondly remembered as the “Velvet Voice of India,” Pankaj Udhas passed away in February 2024, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with millions of music lovers worldwide.

The newly dedicated cultural landmark has been designed as more than just a memorial space. Along with a custom artistic mural honouring the singer, the site also features a QR code-enabled digital portal that allows visitors to explore rare archival footage, milestone moments, and unreleased memories from Pankaj Udhas’ extraordinary musical journey. The innovative tribute beautifully blends nostalgia with technology, giving fans a chance to relive the singer’s unforgettable career in an immersive way.

The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of several prominent personalities from the music and entertainment industry, making the evening deeply emotional and memorable. Singers Sonu Nigam, Hariharan, Salim Merchant, and Papon attended the tribute alongside actor Anup Soni and Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha. Members of the legendary Mangeshkar family were also present to honour the late maestro. The event was led by Pankaj Udhas’ wife Farida Udhas and daughters Nayaab and Reva Udhas, who shared emotional memories during the ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Sonu Nigam described Pankaj Udhas as not only a legendary artist but also one of the kindest human beings in the industry, adding that his contribution “deserves to be etched in stone.”

Hariharan called the newly named junction a fitting honour for a charismatic musician who brought elegance and popularity to the ghazal genre. Papon fondly remembered the singer’s warmth and generosity toward younger artists, while Anup Soni stressed the importance of preserving the legacy of cultural icons for future generations.

Adding a global touch to the tribute, the entire inauguration ceremony was live-streamed across official social media platforms, allowing fans from around the world to participate in the remembrance. Emotional reactions poured in online as admirers revisited Pankaj Udhas’ timeless classics and celebrated the lasting impact of his music.

For many, Padma Bhushan Pankaj Udhas Chowk is more than a street landmark — it is a permanent symbol of a voice that defined an era of ghazals, romance, and poetic musical expression in India.