Renowned Hindustani classical vocalist and Padma Vibhushan awardee Pandit Chhannulal Mishra passed away early Thursday morning at the age of 89. He breathed his last at 4:15 a.m. at the residence of his daughter, Namrata Mishra, in Mirzapur. His last rites will be performed today at Manikarnika Ghat in Kashi.
A Legend in Classical Music
Pandit Chhannulal Mishra was one of the foremost exponents of Hindustani classical music, celebrated for his mastery in Khayal, Thumri, Dadra, Bhajan, Kajri, and Chaiti. His iconic song, “Khele Masane Mein Holi…”, remains a favorite among classical music enthusiasts.
Born on August 3, 1936, in Hariharpur, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, music was in his blood. His grandfather, Gudai Maharaj Shanta Prasad, was a noted tabla player. Chhannulal began learning music from his father Badri Prasad Mishra at the age of six and later trained under Ustad Abdul Ghani Khan of the Kirana Gharana and Thakur Jaidev Singh.
He studied classical music in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, before settling in Varanasi nearly four decades ago, where he became a revered name in Indian classical circles, both nationally and internationally.
A Personal Life Marked by Tragedy
Pandit Mishra is survived by four daughters and a son. His wife Manorama Mishra and elder daughter Sangeeta Mishra tragically passed away within four days of each other during the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2021.
He had been ailing for the past seven months and was recently hospitalized. Diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and suffering from diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and an enlarged prostate, he was discharged from BHU’s Sir Sundarlal Hospital on September 27 and had returned to his daughter’s home.
Honored by the Nation
Pandit Chhannulal Mishra was the recipient of some of India’s highest civilian honors:
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2000)
- Padma Bhushan (2010)
- Padma Vibhushan (2021)
He was a proposer for Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections in Varanasi. It is said that he was initially reluctant, but was later persuaded by Amit Shah. Upon agreeing, he reportedly told Modi:
“Take care of the Ganga and music in my Kashi.”
Tributes Pour In
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Pandit Chhannulal Mishra. He dedicated his life to Indian art and culture and brought classical music to the masses. It was my privilege to receive his blessings. Om Shanti.”
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath
“Pandit Chhannulal Mishra devoted his entire life to Indian classical music. He was an inspiration for generations of singers.”
Legacy
Pandit Chhannulal Mishra wasn’t just a classical singer — he was a cultural ambassador, a guru, and a custodian of Indian musical traditions. His contribution to preserving and popularizing Hindustani music has left an indelible mark on India’s cultural heritage.