Manhar Udhas is a veteran Indian playback singer and ghazal singer, known particularly for his work in Hindi and Gujarati music. He has also sung in several other Indian languages and has contributed to more than 300 films during his long career. He is the elder brother of renowned ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas and singer Nirmal Udhas.
Manhar Udhas is remembered for songs such as “Tu Is Tarah Se Meri Zindagi Mein,” “Hum Tumhe Chahte Hain Aise,” “Loote Koi Man Ka Nagar,” “Har Kisi Ko Nahin Milta,” “Tu Kal Chala Jayega,” “Gali Gali Mein,” “Tera Naam Liya,” and “Mausam Ki Tarah Tum Bhi.”
Manhar Udhas was born on 13 May 1943 in Savarkundla, Gujarat, India, which was then part of Baroda State in British India. Gujarati Vishwakosh also records his birth as 13 May 1943 in Savarkundla.
He developed an interest in music during childhood and participated in music competitions and college youth festivals. Although he trained as a mechanical engineer, his passion for music eventually led him to pursue a professional career as a singer.
He moved to Mumbai in the late 1960s, where he came into contact with music directors Kalyanji–Anandji. He initially assisted them during recording sessions, which eventually provided him with his first major opportunity as a playback singer.
A significant turning point came in 1969 with the Hindi film Vishwas. Manhar recorded “Aap Se Humko Bichhde Huye Ek Zamana Beet Gaya”, a song that had initially been intended as a temporary recording before being sung by Mukesh.
When Mukesh heard Manhar's recording, he reportedly felt that the performance was already excellent and that there was no need to replace it. The song became successful and helped establish Manhar Udhas in Hindi playback singing.
Some of Manhar Udhas's notable songs include:
Although Manhar Udhas became known as a Bollywood playback singer, ghazal singing and Gujarati music have been important parts of his career.
He became particularly recognized for presenting Gujarati ghazals and has released numerous albums. Gujarati Vishwakosh describes him as an accomplished ghazal singer and notes his contribution to Gujarati music as well as songs in several Indian regional languages.
He has released more than 30 albums, including Aashirwad, Alankar, and Aakarshan. His album Alankar was launched in Vadodara in 2015, while Aakarshan was launched in 2018.
Manhar Udhas has sung in several Indian languages, including:
His multilingual repertoire helped him build a career beyond mainstream Hindi cinema.
Manhar Udhas was the elder brother of Pankaj Udhas, one of India's most famous ghazal singers.
The three Udhas brothers—Manhar, Nirmal, and Pankaj—all developed careers in music. Manhar's earlier success as a singer and stage performer also helped encourage Pankaj's musical journey.
Manhar and Pankaj also worked together on music albums and live performances.
Manhar Udhas is known for a warm and expressive singing style particularly suited to:
His Gujarati ghazal performances have been especially important to his musical identity.
Manhar Udhas has worked with many prominent music directors and lent his voice to numerous Bollywood actors. His filmography includes songs from films such as Abhimaan, Aap To Aise Na The, Qurbani, Hero, Jaanbaaz, Naam, Ram Lakhan, Tridev, Sadak, Saudagar, and Jaanwar.
His career is notable for successfully combining Bollywood playback singing with Gujarati ghazal and live musical performance. He has also received numerous recognitions for his music, including gold and platinum records for his recordings.
Full Name: Manhar Udhas
Popular Name: Manhar Udhas
Profession: Playback Singer, Ghazal Singer
Date of Birth: 13 May 1943
Birth Place: Savarkundla, Gujarat, India
Languages: Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Bengali and other Indian languages
Genres: Ghazal, Bollywood, Gujarati Music, Film Music
Known For: Tu Is Tarah Se, Hum Tumhe Chahte Hain Aise, Loote Koi Man Ka Nagar
Siblings: Pankaj Udhas, Nirmal Udhas