New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condoled the death of renowned ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas and said he was a beacon of Indian music whose melodies transcended generations.

"We mourn the loss of Pankaj Udhas ji, whose singing conveyed a range of emotions and whose ghazals spoke directly to the soul," Modi said in a post on X.

"He was a beacon of Indian music whose melodies transcended generations. I recall my various interactions with him over the years. His departure leaves a void in the music world that can never be filled. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti," the prime minister said.

"Pankaj Udhas ji mesmerised many generations with his melodious voice. His ghazals and songs touched the hearts of people of all ages and classes. Today, his demise has left a huge void in the world of music, which will be difficult to fill for a long time," Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in a post on X.

"He will always be among us through his songs and ghazals. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family and his fans. May God give peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti, Shanti," he added.

Paying glowing tributes to Ghazal stalwart, singer-composer Salim Merchant said that the legendary singer boosted and enriched the music industry through his timeless melodies. Speaking to ANI, the singer-composer mourned the passing of the singing stalwart, saying, "He entertained us for many years and boosted and enriched our industry through his evergreen ghazals and other songs. He spread the message of love and oneness through his songs. I have been in shock since I received the news of his demise. I still can't believe he is no more. The word of his passing made me speechless. He has left a massive void in the music industry. We have lost a great artiste and an even greater human being."

Actors Madhuri Dixit Nene and Shilpa Shetty Kundra mourned the demise of Udhas. Taking to Instagram, Madhuri shared a picture on her stories that she captioned, "Deeply saddened by the loss of a music legend, Pankaj Udhas ji. His gazals touched the souls of people worldwide. His legacy will forever linger in our hearts! Om Shanti."

Shilpa Shetty shared a picture on her Instagram stories, posting, "Om Shanti. Aapki awaz hum sabke saath hamesha rahegi. Heartfelt condolences to Pankaj ji's loved ones."

Actor Sushmita Sen wrote, "Rest in peace sir. Beautiful soul."

Mourning the demise of Udhas, composer Anu Malik called him a 'heera' (diamond). Speaking to ANI, Malik said, "He was a gem of a person...I would say he was like a diamond. He was blessed with a mellifluous voice, one that enabled him to adapt to any song or musical genre. There were so many great ghazal singers at the time but when Pankaj-ji took to the stage and started singing, the listeners sat rapt. I join the world in mourning one of our musical stalwarts, a great artiste who has left us. He was a great singer and an even better human being. Whenever I met him, he had a smile on his face. He also had a humorous side to him."

"He received a lot of love from his listeners and his fans across the world are in mourning today after learning of his demise. May God give strength to Pankaj-ji's family to bear this loss. The music industry has lost a shining star. Om Shanti," Malik added.

Soon after the news of the singer's demise emerged, his fans swamped social media and posted their condolences.

A fan wrote, "May his soul rest in peace."

"I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, stay strong and please accept my condolences," another user wrote.

"Deepest Condolences and Prayers," another user posted.

Best known for "Chitthi Ayee Hai" and "Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein", Udhas died in Mumbai on Monday following prolonged illness, his daughter Nayab said. He was 72.

Udhas -- who also made a mark as a playback singer in several Hindi films, including "Naam", "Saajan" and "Mohra" -- died around 11 am at the Breach Candy hospital, a family source said.

PTI, ANI