Ghazal Maestro Pankaj Udhas honoured with Posthumous Padma Bhushan, his wife accepts it from President Droupadi Murmu

The Padma Awards 2025 were announced on the eve of Republic Day, January 25, 2025. The list of awardees this year included Arijit Singh, musician Ricky Kej, director Shekhar Kapur, actor Ajith Kumar. Meanwhile, Pankaj Udhas was to be honoured with Posthumous Padma Bhushan. The legendary singer passed away in February 2024 due to prolonged illness. The late singer’s wife Farida Udhas accepted the honour from President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
The news was also shared from the official X account of the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President Of India) and the tweet read, "President Droupadi Murmu confers Padma Bhushan in the field of Art on Shri Pankaj Keshubhai Udhas (Posthumous). He was a versatile singer and he added to the popularity of ghazals. His influence spread across different segments of music lovers. He was also deeply committed to philanthropy. He was actively involved in supporting cancer and thalassemia patients through various means."

Earlier when the news of him getting the Padma Bhushan was announced, his daughter Nayaab Udhas and the entire family was overwhelmed. Nayaab had said in an interview with Hindustan Times, "I was so happy and emotional when I got a call to inform us about dad's honour. I felt so happy and grateful that the government of India has recognised his contribution towards not just music, but also towards noble causes such as helping people work towards the cure of thalassemia and cancer. Dad took ghazal to the world and made it relatable. I wish he was around to celebrate with us. We miss him so much more today."