Once he started a talent hunt show called Aadab Aarz Hai on Sony TV to discover new ghazal talent.In 1986, he featured in the song Chitthi Aayee Hai from the film Naam, which was a huge hit and is still counted among his best songs.He released his debut ghazal album called Aahat in 1980.Luckily, he received great response from there, after which came back to India.
Pankaj Udhas entered into the Bollywood playback in 1986 with Chitthi Aayi Hai for movie Naam and became instant hit. He recorded over 50 albums that include prominent hits like Mukarrar, Tarrannum, Mehfil, Nayaab and Aafreen.