The music world is in mourning following the passing of the legendary ghazal maestro, Pankaj Udhas, on February 26, 2024, at the age of 72. Anup Jalota, a close friend and fellow singer, confirmed the news and revealed that Udhas had been battling pancreatic cancer for several months. This revelation brings attention to the challenges posed by pancreatic cancer, a disease notorious for its grim prognosis and silent progression.
Pancreatic cancer is currently the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, with a survival rate of less than 10%. The pancreas's retroperitoneal location and the aggressive nature of pancreatic tumors make early detection challenging.
In Udhas's case, the diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common form of pancreatic cancer, highlighted the severity of this silent threat. PDAC accounts for 85% of pancreatic tumors, and surgical resection is the only potentially curative treatment. However, late-stage diagnoses often limit the feasibility of surgery.
Anup Jalota, providing a heartfelt account of Udhas's battle, shared that he learned about Udhas's pancreatic cancer around six months ago through a common doctor friend. Despite the challenges posed by the illness, Udhas continued to share his musical talents, even performing at a festival a few months before his passing.
Jalota expressed the emotional journey of witnessing Udhas's health decline, mentioning how he appeared weak and had lost weight. The pain of realizing Udhas's terrible pain led to a silence in their communication. The singer revealed that Udhas's gratitude for unwavering support was conveyed in a poignant phone call, marking a significant moment in their enduring friendship.
Pankaj Udhas, along with Anup Jalota and Talat Aziz, played a pivotal role in popularizing ghazals. Recalling their shared history, Jalota highlighted how they decided to initiate the 'Khazana Ghazal Festival' during a dinner, aiming to introduce new talents while raising funds for cancer patients. The irony of Udhas succumbing to the illness he had dedicated efforts to combat is a somber reminder of life's unpredictability.
Anup Jalota emphasized Udhas's simplicity and humility, noting how he made ghazals accessible to a wider audience. Udhas's songs transcended language barriers, with people who had no familiarity with Urdu singing along to his soulful compositions. The trio of Udhas, Jalota, and Aziz held sway in the music industry for three decades, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of millions.
The challenges posed by pancreatic cancer underscore the importance of early detection and preventive measures. Lifestyle factors such as obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and type 2 diabetes are recognized as non-familial risk factors. Encouragingly, lifestyle corrections, as evidenced by a 2020 European study, have been associated with a lower risk of PDAC.
Understanding hereditary risks is crucial in tackling pancreatic cancer. Genetic syndromes contribute to 20% of cases, with familial pancreatic cancer constituting 80%. Identifying at-risk individuals and exploring early detection methods, especially for high-risk cohorts, is vital in the battle against this formidable adversary.
In the wake of Pankaj Udhas's demise, Anup Jalota expressed his commitment to continuing the mission they started together. Udhas's daughter, Nayaab, has joined in this endeavor, and they plan to promote new ghazal singers, ensuring that the legacy of ghazal music lives on.
Pankaj Udhas's journey, marked by musical brilliance and a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer, leaves an indomitable imprint. As the music fraternity and fans mourn his loss, the spotlight on pancreatic cancer serves as a reminder of the urgent need for awareness, early detection, and ongoing research to improve outcomes in the face of this challenging disease.
In paying tribute to Pankaj Udhas, the ghazal maestro's silent battle with pancreatic cancer serves as a heartwarming story, underlining the need of preventative measures, early identification, and the lasting impact of an artist whose music affected millions.
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(Rehash/Susmita Bhandary/MSM)