Legendary Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas passed away at the age of 72 on Monday. The singer was suffering with age-related health issues. His daughter Nayaab Udhas confirmed the news of his death on social media.
Taking to social media, his family issued an official statement saying, with a very heavy heart, they inform the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on 26th February 2024 due to a prolonged illness.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the veteran singer as he posted a special note for Pankaj Udhas. Recalling him, the PM said, he was a beacon of Indian music, whose melodies transcended generations. His departure leaves a void in the music world that can never be filled, the PM added.
We mourn the loss of Pankaj Udhas Ji, whose singing conveyed a range of emotions and whose Ghazals spoke directly to the soul. He was a beacon of Indian music, whose melodies transcended generations. I recall my various interactions with him over the years.
Udhas, who gained recognition as a playback singer in Hindi films such as Naam, Saajan, and Mohra, passed away at the Breach Candy hospital at around 11 am today, as per a source close to the family .
On knowing about the sudden demise of Pankaj Udhas, his fans and many Bollywood celebrities paid their tribute to the veteran singer through different social media handle.
Taking to Instagram, singer Sonu Nigam posted his picture and said, he lost his one of the most important part of his childhood today. Sonu also said he will miss him forever and knowing that he is no more his heart cries out. Concluding his post he thanked Pankaj Udhas for being there.
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Shankar Mahadevan said he is shocked by this news as it is a terrible loss to music industry.
Singer Anup Jalota took to X, to express his grief. He shareda post and said, music legend and his friend passed away. Jalota also said, he extends his heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Shocking 😞…. Music legend & my Friend #PankajUdhas passes away. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his Family and loved ones during this difficult time. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/JT7f8tFMUn
Meanwhile, Pankaj Udhas was from a well-known Gujarati music family. He was the youngest of the three brothers and was born in Jetpur, Gujarat. Manhar Udhas, his older brother, was also a playback singer in the film industry. He started his carrer by learning tabla before moving on to study Hindustani vocal classical music under Ghulam Qadir Khan Sahab. After that, he received training at the renowned Gwalior Gharana.
Television actor Gaurav Khanna has been declared the winner of Bigg Boss 19, bringing the curtain down on a season packed with drama, intense face-offs and emotional moments. He secured the top spot after a closely fought finale, with Farhana Bhatt finishing as the first runner-up.
Gaurav Khanna’s steady game pays off
Premiering on August 24 with 18 contestants, the season showcased shifting alliances, sharp strategies and memorable confrontations. Despite being seen as quiet in the early weeks, Gaurav Khanna gradually emerged as one of the strongest voices inside the house. His composed demeanour and calculated task performance helped him build momentum through the competition.
Farhana Bhatt ends as runner-up
Farhana Bhatt, known for her dynamic presence and determination throughout the season, finished second. Although she narrowly missed the title, her journey remained one of the standout tracks of the show.
Finale eliminations
The grand finale began with multiple eliminations — Amaal Mallik was the first finalist to bow out, followed by Tanya Mittal, and then Pranit More, leaving Gaurav and Farhana as the top two contenders. Gaurav ultimately lifted the trophy and took home a cash prize of Rs 50 lakh.
With the conclusion of Bigg Boss 19, the show wraps another season marked by strategy, rivalry and heartfelt moments that kept viewers engaged from start to finish.
Ranveer Singh returns with a ferocious performance in Dhurandhar, supported by Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, and a gripping espionage storyline set against real historical events.
Ranveer Singh makes a striking return to the big screen with Dhurandhar, delivering a fierce, layered performance in Aditya Dhar’s ambitious spy thriller. Blending historical terror incidents with a fictional revenge saga, the film explores India’s covert response to cross-border terrorism through the secret project ‘Dhurandhar’.
A brutal world built around revenge and espionage
Set around the IC-814 Kandahar hijack and the 2001 Parliament attack, Dhurandhar opens with Ajay Sanyal, an Intelligence Bureau officer played by R Madhavan, who strongly opposes releasing captured terrorists. Despite his resistance, bureaucracy prevails, setting the stage for the covert mission he later leads.
The project introduces its central weapon — Humza Ali Mazari, later revealed to be Jaskirat Singh Rangil — portrayed by Ranveer Singh with ferocity and emotional depth. Dropped straight into Karachi’s dangerous Lyari district, Humza navigates a nexus of gangs, politicians, and the ISI, with the narrative also touching upon tensions between local Pakistanis and Baloch communities.
Performances that elevate the film
Akshaye Khanna nearly steals the spotlight as a feared Lyari gangster inspired by Rehman ‘Dakait’ Baloch. Sanjay Dutt’s portrayal of SP Chaudhry Aslam brings an intimidating presence, while Arjun Rampal’s Major Iqbal leaves a lingering impact despite limited screen time.
Sara Arjun plays Yalina with conviction, and the film also features an unrecognisable Gaurav Gera in a surprise appearance.
Music, violence, and a split narrative
Shashwat Sachdev’s background score stands out, weaving classic Pakistani melodies with Indian retro hits to complement the film’s shifting tones. Viewers should be prepared for intense brutality, graphic torture scenes, and sudden shifts in narrative style — especially in a second half that feels markedly different from the first.
The episodic structure, archival footage, and mix of real and fictional characters add layers, though some may find the format distracting.
Ending that sets up part two
While the film does not end on a dramatic cliffhanger, its teaser for the second part — scheduled for March 19, 2026 — ensures audiences will return to witness the conclusion of Humza’s journey.
Farhan Akhtar’s latest release 120 Bahadur hit theatres on November 21 but registered a dull opening on its first day, earning Rs 2.35 crore. In comparison, De De Pyaar De 2, which is now in its second week, continues to show stronger hold at the box office.
Slow start for 120 Bahadur on day one
The action-drama opened to modest numbers on Friday, collecting Rs2.35 crore on its first day. Despite pre-release buzz around Farhan Akhtar’s performance, the film has begun its run on the lower side.
De De Pyaar De 2 maintains its advantage
Meanwhile, De De Pyaar De 2 continues its steady run. On its eighth day, the film maintained an edge over 120 Bahadur in overall earnings, according to media. The strong hold of the Ajay Devgn-led sequel appears to have impacted the new release’s opening day business.
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