Legendary Banaras Gharana Stalwart Pandit Chhannulal Mishra Passes Away At 89

Lucknow, October 2 (TNA) Padma Vibhushan Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, one of India’s most celebrated Hindustani classical vocalists, passed away on Thursday morning in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, after a prolonged illness. He was 89 years old and had been under medical care for several months. His last rites are scheduled to take place in Varanasi at Manikarnika Ghat, reflecting his lifelong association with the spiritual and cultural capital of India.

Pandit Chhannulal Mishra was a revered exponent of the Banaras gharana and renowned for his soulful renditions of khayal, thumri, and bhajans, which have left an indelible mark on the classical music tradition in India and abroad. Over his illustrious career, he received numerous accolades, notably the Padma Bhushan in 2010 and the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in 2020.

His other honours included the Shiromani Award from Sur Singar Sansad, the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the Yash Bharti Award, and fellowships from the Sangeet Natak Akademi.

Born in 1936 in Hariharpur, Azamgarh district, Pandit Mishra was trained in music by his father, Badri Prasad Mishra, and later studied under notable gurus, including Ustad Abdul Ghani Khan. He dedicated his life to enriching Indian music and culture, becoming a beloved mentor, performer, and advocate of the Banaras gharana tradition. His works—especially his famous “Khele Masane Mein Holi”—remain etched in the memory of music lovers across generations.

Pandit Mishra was battling multiple health issues, including acute respiratory distress syndrome, type-2 diabetes, hypertension, and complications stemming from post-COVID-19 illness. In his final days, he was under medical supervision at BHU’s Institute of Medical Sciences before returning home to Mirzapur.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered heartfelt condolences, highlighting Pandit Mishra’s contributions to spreading Indian classical music and honouring Indian tradition on the global stage. He is survived by his son, tabla player Ramkumar Mishra, and three daughters.