Pankaj Udhas, one of India’s most celebrated Ghazal singers, achieved a significant milestone in December 1987 when his album Shagufta became the first compact disc (CD) to be launched in India by Music India. Known for his distinctive style of blending soulful Urdu poetry with melodious music, Udhas has played a pivotal role in popularizing the Ghazal genre among mainstream audiences. His contribution to Indian music is marked by both critical acclaim and widespread popularity.

Born on May 17, 1951, in Jetpur near Rajkot in Gujarat into a family of zamindars, Pankaj Udhas was deeply influenced by music from a young age. His elder brother, Manhar Udhas, is also a noted playback singer. Pankaj gained national recognition with his emotional performance of "Chitthi Aayee Hai" in the 1986 film Naam, which became an enduring classic. Over the years, he has released several successful albums such as Lamha, Mahek, Muskaan, Humsafar, and Janeman. In recognition of his contributions to Indian music, he was honored with the Padma Shri in 2006.