Popular Indian singer and ghazal maestro, Pankaj Udhas, wowed the audience at Leicester’s Demontfort Hall, with his “The Legend Returns” comeback concert, after returning to the city after nearly ten years.
Since his first ghazal album “Aahat” released in 1980, he has released over 40 albums, finding fame across the world. With a musical career spanning over three decades, he received his first dose of Bollywood fame in 1986, with ‘Chitthi Aayi Hai’ from the film ‘Naam’ and produced classics like ‘Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai Tera’, ‘Sharab Cheez Hi Aisi’ and ‘Ek Taraf Uska Ghar’.
The sold out concert in Leicester, was presented by Rock on Music and Perfect Harmony Productions and was supported by Anand International and Pukaar News. The show opened with the legendary singer entering the stage and declaring his love for the city: “Leicester really rocks I tell you”, which followed by a huge round of applause from the audience. He then went on to share: “After all these years, here I am before you”, and began with his opening performance of ‘Aap Jinke Kareeb Hote Hain’.
The audience were taken on a musical journey, with his soothing voice, infused with the beats of the tabla and sounds of the harmonium, violin, keyboard and flute. His soulful rendition of ‘Sabko Maloom Hai Main Sharabi Nahin’, ‘Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai Tera’ and ‘Na Kajare Ki Dhar’ had the audience clapping and singing along.
The Indian singer mesmerised the audience with his heartfelt performance of ‘Chitthi Aayi Hai’ and performed ‘Ghungroo Toot Gaye’ as a special request from the audience. He then entertained the crowd with a medley of songs, poems and ghazals, before ending the show to a standing ovation.
Event organiser for Rock on Music Vijay Bhola shared: “We’re pleased to have the opportunity to bring Pankaj Udhas back to Leicester and our aim is to put on a great show for the audience”. Speaking to Pukaar News the day before the concert, Mr Udhas said he was “really excited” about performing in Leicester again because the crowd is “One of the most rocking audiences”. Despite having performed at massive venues across the world such as Madison Square Gardens, he said that he was looking forward to perform at De Montfort Hall because “The venue is fantastic”.
The singer’s passion and enthusiasm for his music provided a truly unforgettable experience for the audiences. Samina Ahmad, from Leicester, shared: “The live performance was exquisite, I’m so used to hearing his recordings, so hearing him live was amazing. I would love to see him perform again”. Anamika Bhargava, travelled from Coventry for the experience, “It was the first time I was seeing him perform live and it was amazing, I would recommend it to all”.
Local businessman Vic Sethi from Anand International spoke about the recent partnership between Anand and Rock on Music saying “I’m looking forward to working alongside them and look forward to bringing over many more artists for the enjoyment of Leicester audiences”
The UK tour which began in Leicester will continue with performances in London and Birmingham.
