Veteran Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt reveals Pankaj Udhas’s reluctance to sing ‘Chitthi Aayi Hai”
Veteran Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt reveals Pankaj Udhas’s reluctance to sing ‘Chitthi Aayi Hai”
Veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt recalled shooting for the iconic song Chitthi Aayee Hai from his 1986 film Naam with late ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas.
He shared that initially, the the ghazal singer showed hesitance to be part of the movie.
A Padma Shri awardee, Pankaj Udhas breathed his last on Monday at the age of 72.
Pankaj Udhas has rendered Chitthi Aayi Hai from the Mahesh Bhatt’s directorial “Naam”
He revealed to a news agency that he wasn’t for long that he was ill and suddenly when this news reached him, Pankaj’s smiling face flashed before his eyes, which used to mesmerise anyone. Then he remembered the track “Chitthi Aayee Hai” picturised on Sanjay Dutt and Amrita Singh.
Initially, he was reluctant to act in the movie as he said he had never acted in films and he is just a singer who sings in mehfils.’ Mahesh urged him to do the same and still remembered how nervous Pankaj was like a newcomer.
Mahesh Bhatt, continued that he was apprehensive he wouldn’t be able to live up to their expectations, but the way he sang it was beyond expectations.
Giving credit to the lyrics penned by Anand Bakshi, music by Laxmikant Pyarelal and Pankaj Udhas’ voice, he said the song is loved by music lovers.
He salutes Anand Bakshi because this song came out of his heart, Salim Khan’s genius and Bakshi’s writing, Laxmikant Pyarelal’s music and then Sanjay Dutt’s thirst to prove himself and make his name in the industry.
This song connects with the feeling of longing and pain when you are away from your home and country. This song is immortal. Mahesh Bhatt is fortunate to have met Pankaj and this song gave him such a status and name in the industry. People still love this creation and following his demise, many called him recalling the same track.
Besides ghazals, he was also branded for his work in movies. His solo ghazal album Aahat in 1980 gave him much recognition. Later, he went on to record several hits, such as Mukarar in 1981, Tarrannum in 1982, Mehfil in 1983 and many others.
Among the evergreen ghazals that Pankaj Udhas lent his vocals to were Chitthi Aayi Hai, Chandani Raat Mein, Na Kajre Ki Dhaar, Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein, Ek Taraf Uska Ghar, and Thodi Thodi Piya Karo. The singer’s demise has left the music world in shock and grief.
News Edit K.V.Raman
