Yesterday, the music industry and fans worldwide mourned the loss of renowned ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer at the age of 72 in a Mumbai hospital. Udhas leaves behind a rich legacy of timeless songs, both in the non-film and cinematic realms, including hits like ‘Chitti Aayi Hai’ from Naam (1986) and ‘Jiye Toh Jiye Kaise’ from Saajan (1991).
Despite never collaborating on a song together, Udhas shared an interesting connection with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Khan, in an interview nine years ago, revealed that his first earnings came from working as an usher at Udhas' Ghazal concert in Delhi, where he earned Rs. 50. He fondly recalled using this money for a memorable trip to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal.
Reflecting on the trip during the promotions of Raees in 2017, Khan recounted the experience of trying the famous pink lassi in Agra, although the trip ended with an unfortunate incident of food poisoning on the train journey back to Delhi.
While Khan didn't disclose his age at the time of his first earnings, his anecdote underscores the humble beginnings of his remarkable journey to stardom. Pankaj Udhas' influence extended beyond his music, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of many, including a young Shah Rukh Khan.
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